Ahmedabad, January 3: A private hospital in Ahmedabad has been directed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (Rural) to pay Rs 60,000 compensation to a senior citizen for failing to provide a discharge summary and proper payment receipts after COVID-19 treatment.
Impact on Insurance Claim
The absence of these essential documents rendered the patient ineligible for health insurance reimbursement, despite having coverage of Rs 15 lakh under New India Assurance Co Ltd.
Court Directs Hospital to Provide Documents
Apart from awarding compensation, the commission ordered the hospital to supply the patient with a discharge summary, case papers, and complete payment receipts within one month to enable him to apply for insurance reimbursement.
Treatment and Alleged Irregularities
The patient was hospitalised in May 2021 for around two weeks during the second wave of COVID-19. During this period, he incurred treatment costs of Rs 3.17 lakh and more than Rs 12,000 for investigation reports. The hospital allegedly issued only unstamped receipts and did not provide discharge papers upon his release on May 14.
Cash-Only Payment Allegation
The patient claimed that the hospital refused cheque or digital payments and insisted on cash transactions, further complicating his insurance claim process, according to TOI.
Hospital’s Counterclaims
The hospital argued that the patient had left without settling bills and created a disturbance, which allegedly prevented issuance of discharge papers. The management also claimed that the patient misused the hospital’s letterheads to pass them off as bills—allegations denied by the complainant.
Court Observations
After hearing both sides, the commission noted that the hospital failed to provide any evidence supporting its claims. No formal complaint had been filed regarding the alleged misuse of letterheads.
Deficiency in Service Confirmed
The District Consumer Court concluded that the hospital demonstrated “serious deficiency in service, negligence, and unfair trade practice,” awarding Rs 60,000 compensation and directing timely provision of all necessary documentation to the patient.
