Not to demand advance payment for emergency treatment: PMC tells Hospitals

Pune: In the wake of a tragic incident involving the death of a young mother who was allegedly denied admission at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune on March 28 due to the non-payment of a Rs 10 lakh advance deposit, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) issued a stern directive to all private hospitals, nursing homes and medical establishments. This directive mandates that no advance payment be required from patients seeking emergency medical treatment within the city's jurisdiction.

The civic body's notice is reported to have been issued to around 850 private hospitals to ensure emergency patients get treatment without making any advance deposit. It mentioned that hospitals must follow the golden hour treatment protocol and provide preliminary treatment when a patient comes to the hospital in urgent need of medical attention.

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The notice circulated on Monday reminded the hospitals of their legal obligation to adhere to the provisions outlined in the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, as well as the Maharashtra Amendment rules of 2021. The Act clearly prohibits healthcare providers from demanding advance deposits before providing emergency care.

The move follows a controversy surrounding the death of the pregnant woman who died days after giving birth. Medical dialogues had reported that a seven-month pregnant woman carrying twins died after allegedly being denied admission at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune due to non-payment of an advance of Rs 10 lakh. The 30-year-old woman was reportedly facing severe pregnancy-related complications when she was rushed to the hospital, but was turned away for treatment.

The woman's husband alleged that the hospital demanded a sum of Rs 10 lakh for treatment, even as he expressed his willingness to pay Rs 2.5 lakh upfront. He alleged that the hospital's refusal to admit her or provide immediate medical care caused significant delays. As her condition deteriorated, the situation became increasingly critical. Left with no choice, the family rushed her to another hospital, but tragically, she passed away shortly after giving birth to her twin daughters.

This incident has sparked intense debate, with many accusing the hospital of prioritizing financial gain over human life. The husband, who serves as a private secretary to Maharashtra Legislative Council member Amit Gorkhe, accused the hospital of prioritizing money over the life of his wife.

Following this, the civic body decided to take action and directed all private hospitals within its jurisdiction to treat patients in emergency cases without charging an advance deposit. 

According to the PMC, hospitals are registered, and their licenses are renewed based on compliance with these rules. The notice emphasises that hospitals must treat patients with courtesy and respect, as mentioned in the government guidelines. 

"The act and various amendments over the years have categorically stated that in case of emergency, the hospital must not ask for any deposit at the time of providing medical services. The Maharashtra government notification also mentions that hospitals must follow the golden hour treatment protocol and provide preliminary treatment when a patient comes to the hospital in need of urgent medical attention," reads the notice. 

Speaking to HT, Dr Nina Boarde, health chief of PMC, said, "Most importantly, the notification strongly highlights Rule 11(J) from the Maharashtra Government order, which states that private hospitals cannot demand advance deposits from patients during medical emergencies. This provision has been designed to ensure that no life-saving treatment is delayed due to financial concerns, especially in critical “golden hour” situations."

The PMC reminded hospitals that, regardless of a patient’s financial condition, basic and essential emergency care must be provided immediately. This includes stabilisation, treatment, and lifesaving procedures without insisting on initial payments or deposits.

Dr Suryakant Devkar, assistant health officer, PMC, told TOI, "This is a known practice and a must for all hospitals to follow. Given the recent incident, we are issuing this notice to remind hospitals that they must follow the mandatory rules as per the various acts that govern the private hospitals." 

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