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 eligible patients and for reportedly charging excessive medical fees. These hospitals are empanelled under government health schemes but are accused of violating the mandated rules.
Hospitals Identified for Alleged Violations
According to recent reports, the hospitals that received the notices include Sun Shine Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Manipal Hospital, and IMS & SUM Hospital. The action follows multiple complaints from patients who claimed they were denied cashless services despite being covered under state health programmes.
Minister Confirms Action in Assembly
Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling shared details of the notices during the Odisha Assembly session, responding to questions raised by MLA Arabinda Mohapatra. He confirmed that the hospitals were asked to justify why they failed to provide cashless treatment as required under government norms.
MLA Raises Concerns Over Cashless Denial
During the session, MLA Mohapatra sought clarity on several complaints alleging that private hospitals were not offering cashless benefits and were instead issuing inflated billing statements. He stressed the need for accountability, noting that such practices undermine the purpose of government health schemes aimed at providing affordable care.
Government Seeks Clarification and Accountability
As reported by Pragativadi, Minister Mahaling stated that the hospitals must explain the reasons behind the denial of benefits and why disciplinary action should not be taken against them. He reaffirmed that the State Government will maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward any conduct that compromises patient rights or violates scheme guidelines.
Monitoring Systems Strengthened for Patient Protection
The Minister further highlighted that continuous monitoring mechanisms are in place to prevent such lapses from recurring. He assured the Assembly that the government is committed to ensuring seamless, fair, and transparent healthcare services across all empanelled hospitals.
No Formal Complaints on Overbilling Yet
Responding to concerns about unethical pricing practices, Mahaling clarified that the government has not yet received any formal complaints on exorbitant billing beyond the cases already under verification. He noted that the State remains vigilant and will act upon any evidence of overcharging.
Government Seeks Expert Support for CTVS Issues
Earlier, Medical Dialogues reported that the Odisha government had approached experts from AIIMS New Delhi and Government Medical College, Kottayam to address the rising mortality rates in open-heart surgeries at the CTVS wing of SCB Medical College & Hospital, Cuttack. The move reflects the State’s effort to improve overall patient safety and healthcare quality.
