Pune – In a strong directive aimed at upholding medical ethics and dignity in death, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has categorically instructed all private hospitals, nursing homes, and medical establishments under its jurisdiction to not withhold the bodies of deceased patients over unpaid medical bills.
The move comes in the wake of two high-profile incidents, including one involving Manipal Hospitals in Kharadi, where the body of a deceased patient was allegedly kept for six hours until an outstanding bill of ₹1.75 lakh was cleared. The incident sparked public outrage and media scrutiny, prompting the civic body to issue a city-wide directive.
“Under no circumstances should dead bodies be held hostage over unpaid bills or other reasons,” stated the PMC notice, referring to provisions under the Bombay Nursing Homes Act, 1949 and a Maharashtra Government notification dated January 14, 2021.
According to the regulations, especially Rules 11(j) and 11(l) of the 2021 notification, hospitals must conduct themselves courteously with patients and families and must not link the release of a body to pending payments.
Case Overview: Manipal Hospitals
The controversy erupted after Rambhau Jadhav, a 54-year-old farmer, was admitted for angioplasty but instead received a temporary pacemaker. He passed away on May 6. While the initial treatment cost estimate was ₹2.9 lakh, the final bill was ₹3.3 lakh. It was reduced to ₹1.75 lakh, but the hospital allegedly refused to hand over the body until payment was made.
The body was only released after media intervention from the Pune Times Mirror, despite repeated pleas from the family to allow them to perform the last rites.
Similar Incident at Poona Hospital
A similar allegation surfaced against Poona Hospital, which reportedly held a body for eight hours on April 28, drawing a show-cause notice from PMC.
PMC’s Position and Warnings
Dr. Nina Borade, PMC’s Health Chief, emphasized that:
“After necessary medico-legal procedures, the body must be returned to the relatives. Withholding it for non-payment is a serious violation, and stern action will be taken.”
The PMC clarified that institutions that fail to comply with these rules risk losing their registration under the Nursing Homes Act.
Healthcare Body’s Response
Dr. Sanjay Patil, National Secretary of the Hospital Board of India, acknowledged the legal framework and added:
“Such cases usually result from miscommunication. But as per law, no hospital is permitted to hold a deceased body for pending dues.”
Wider Regulatory Trend
This issue has national echoes. The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) is also preparing to issue similar regulations. Justice Asim Banerjee, WBCERC Chairperson, reiterated that no hospital can delay the release of a body over unpaid bills, and such bodies must be handed over to families within a defined timeframe.
