Tamil Nadu: 3-days after patient dies, hospital allegedly continues treatment
A private hospital in Thanjavur has been accused by a family of Tamil Nadu's Nagapattinam district for allegedly treating (and hence, charging) the patient, three days after he died. The family leveled the allegations on Saturday. The son of the deceased said the hospital continued to treat the patient and charged them money. A complaint was lodged at Thanjavur south police station. Here's more.
Family took kin to hospital after stomach pain
Subhash said his father complained of stomach pain on September 9 and was admitted to a local hospital at Nagapattinam. On the hospital's recommendation, the family took him to a private hospital. "The hospital charged us Rs. 5 lakh for his medical expenses and further they asked us to pay Rs. 3 lakh to continue the treatment on Friday," he said.
Doctors at government hospital inform family about demise
Subhash said days later they took his father to Thanjavur government medical college hospital. "When we took him there, the doctors who examined my father said that he died at least three days before," Subhash said. Another kin of the deceased, who is a CPI MLA, said, instead of informing the family, the hospital charged a fee for treatment.
Police wait for autopsy report, hospital denies claims
A police officer said they are awaiting the post-mortem report. If their allegation is true, strict action will be taken, said the officer. Meanwhile, Vinoth Kumar, administrative officer, denied the charges and claimed the family was trying to defame the hospital. "We have the records to prove that the patient died on Friday. However, we are waiting for the autopsy report," he said.
