Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has issued show-cause notices to four private hospitals in Bhubaneswar for allegedly denying cashless treatment to patients despite being empanelled under government health schemes and for reportedly charging excessive medical bills. The notices were issued following multiple complaints from the public.
Hospitals Under Scrutiny
According to recent reports, the hospitals that received the notices include Sun Shine Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Manipal Hospital, and IMS & SUM Hospital. These facilities are part of the government’s health programme network and are therefore required to provide cashless services to eligible beneficiaries.
Minister Responds in Assembly
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling shared this information while responding to questions raised by MLA Arabinda Mohapatra during the Odisha Assembly session. The issue came up amid growing concerns about hospitals failing to comply with the terms of their empanelment.
Questions Raised Over Cashless Treatment Denial
MLA Mohapatra sought an explanation from the government regarding allegations that private hospitals were refusing cashless treatment and imposing inflated medical bills on patients. He stated that the four hospitals have been directed to justify their failure to provide cashless services as mandated under government rules.
State Government Flags Violations
Pragativadi reported that Minister Mahaling informed the Assembly that the hospitals must explain both the reasons behind their violations and why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. He stressed that the State Government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any negligence that undermines patient rights.
Government Ensures Monitoring Mechanisms
The Minister further highlighted that continuous monitoring mechanisms are already in place to prevent such incidents from recurring. He assured that the government is committed to ensuring seamless, affordable, and transparent medical services for all beneficiaries.
Clarification on Complaints of Overcharging
Responding to the MLA’s concerns regarding unethical pricing practices, Mahaling clarified that the government has not yet received formal complaints about exorbitant billing beyond what has already been reviewed. He added that any verified violations would be dealt with strictly.
Background of Healthcare Oversight in Odisha
Medical Dialogues earlier reported that the Odisha Government recently sought expert assistance from AIIMS New Delhi and Government Medical College, Kottayam following an alarming increase in mortality among patients undergoing open heart surgeries at the CTVS wing of SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack. The latest issue with private hospitals adds to the State’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare accountability.
