Ludhiana Hospital slapped compensation over inflated medical bill

Ludhiana: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), Ludhiana has asked Khanna-based Jain Multispeciality Hospital to pay Rs 85,000 to a patient for overcharging. The court concluded that the Rs 35,000 extra charge was unjustified and ordered refund, additionally awarding Rs 50000 for the inconvenience caused to the patient.

The history of the case goes back to 2020 when the 61-year-old complainant, who hails from Mandi Gobindgarh, was admitted to the treating hospital for the treatment of uncontrolled blood sugar, pneumonitis and sepsis. 

It was alleged that even though he underwent treatment at the hospital for 14 days, his condition worsened and therefore he had to seek transfer to another hospital in Zirakpur, where he was treated for three days.

As per the complainant, the treating hospital charged him an inflated bill of Rs 3,12,450 for the treatment, while highlighting how he was asked pay additional charges of Rs 35,000, which were listed as extra charges. This, the complainant argued, was unreasonable.

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The complainant argued that the treatment was also inadequate at the treating hospital and due to this, he had to seek treatment elsewhere and spend Rs 1.64,401 more at another hospital. Therefore, by filing the consumer complaint, he sought a refund of the hospital charges, as well as compensation for the physical pain and mental agony that he endured.

On the other hand, the hospital denied any wrongdoing and stated that the patient was given appropriate care during his stay. Further, referring to the Rs 35,000 extra charges, the hospital explained that the patient was charged this amount for COVID-19-related safety equipment and additional services, which was deemed necessary at the time of the pandemic. 

However, while adjudicating the matter, the District Consumer Court found the extra charges of Rs 35,000 as unjustified, while noting that there was no evidence that would suggest that the patient required COVID-specific treatment or tests. Additionally, the Commission noted that despite high charges for room, medicine, and professional services, the extra charges lacked transparency and therefore could not be justified by the hospital.

Accordingly, invoking Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, the Commission ordered Jain Multispecialty Hospital Rs 35,000 extra charges to the patient, along with 8% annual interest from the date of payment, Hindustan Times has reported.

Additionally, the Consumer Court further directed the hospital to pay Rs 50,000 compensation to the patient for the inconvenience caused. The court has given 30 days of time to the hospital to comply with this order.

Also Read: Jammu Hospital fined by Legal Metrology Department for overcharging