46-year-old man, Mohd Sharif was admitted at Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road on 22nd June as he was suffering from Blood Cancer.
On 23rd June, the hospital authorities tested him for Covid. The results confirmed that Mohd Sharif was Covid Positive. Then began his so called treatment at the hospital. In next few days, he was tested again . This time his result was negative – meaning that he had recovered from Covid. Then in drastic twist of events – Mohd Sharif was declared dead on 01st July at 1pm due to Covid.
The Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road authorities generated a bill of more than 4 lakh. Out of which 2 Lakh were already paid – there was an approximate outstanding of 2 Lakh. Citing the outstanding, the hospital authorities refused to hand over the dead body to the patient. For more then 24 hours the shameless hospital authorities kept a dead body captive. Just imagine the mental trauma the family had to go through !
On 1st July 11pm, a family member of the deceased contacted Sadiq Basha, a local activist. The very next day on 2nd July, he along with Saboor Ansari went to the hospital. After their intervention, the hospital authorities were compelled to hand over the dead body to the relatives and also LET GO OFF the balance outstanding. According to the activists this whole episode has raised many questions –
1. When 80% of private beds have been taken under the State Govt. Control as per the CMO Maharashtra orders. And the State Govt. has regulated the charges for Covid treatment. Then how was hospital authorities allowed to generate a a bill of more then 4 lakh for Covid Treatment?
2. During the course of treatment – the patient was tested twice for Covid. The first time when he was admitted the results came out as positive. Then after few days of treatment, He was again tested and this time his results were negative. This means he no longer had Covid . Then suddenly He passed away on 1st July. What caused his death ? How can he die of Covid when his previous tested showed that he was no longer Covid Positive ? Were the lab tests wrong the second time ? Or was it wrong the first time. Was he ever treated for Blood Cancer ? Or was the entire treatment given to the deceased, just a scam by Wockhardt Hospitals just to extract money.
There are many such Private Hospitals in the city which are infamous for looting the common people. The people of the city must unite against this loot and demand :
1. An audit of all the bills generated for the treatment of Covid. Incase of improper billing – the hospitals must be asked to initiate a refund.
2. MBMC representative must be deputed at all PrivateHospitals in the city. In time of crisis ,one cannot expect the relatives to run from pillar to post.
3. Erring PrivateHospitals must be penalized. There license must be cancelled and furthermore CMO Maharashtra must take over all private hospitals in the city.