Private Hospital Doctor Faces Scrutiny
A doctor at a private hospital in Rajkot has come under scrutiny after a patient’s family alleged medical negligence and excessive billing following a surgical procedure. The doctor has denied the accusations, claiming he is instead receiving threats from the patient’s relatives.
Treatment for Mouth Ulcer Turns Serious
Minor Surgery Allegedly Escalated
According to the family, the patient had approached the hospital nearly a year ago for treatment of a mouth ulcer. They alleged that the surgery was initially described as a minor procedure costing Rs 50,000, but later escalated into a cancer surgery, with total payments reaching around Rs 4 lakh in instalments.
Family Alleges Financial Hardship
Condition Did Not Improve Post-Surgery
The family claimed that the patient’s health did not improve after the operation and that the mounting medical expenses caused severe financial strain. They alleged that the costs exceeded their expectations and resources.
Daughter’s Video Draws Public Attention
Appeal to PM and Gujarat CM
As reported by Bhaskar English, the matter gained wider attention after the patient’s daughter posted a video on social media appealing to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Gujarat for help. In the video, she alleged that her father’s condition worsened after surgery and that financial distress forced her to drop out of school.
Wife Raises Communication Concerns
Claims Lack of Clear Information
The patient’s wife alleged that the seriousness of the surgery was not clearly communicated at the outset. She stated that due to financial difficulties and loss of income, she has taken up work as a security guard, including night shifts, to support the family.
Complaint Filed with Civic Body
Appeal to Municipal Corporation
The family has submitted a written complaint to the Rajkot Municipal Corporation, seeking action against the hospital and appropriate medical care for the patient.
Doctor Denies Allegations
Claims Threats from Relatives
Responding to the accusations, the doctor termed them false and stated that he has received threatening WhatsApp messages from the patient’s relatives, for which he claims to have preserved screenshots. He also alleged that the patient had requested that his wife not be informed about the seriousness of the surgery and maintained that he is willing to provide further treatment if necessary.
Civic Body Clarifies Position
Hospital Not Under PMJAY Scheme
Meanwhile, officials from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation clarified that the hospital is not empanelled under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme. They added that the civic body does not have a direct role in the hospital’s billing practices or clinical decisions, though the complaint will be reviewed as per procedure.
