Malappuram: The Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled that a hospital cannot detain a patient who has been discharged until the medical bill is fully paid. The order was issued while allowing a complaint filed by a resident of Chungathara in Malappuram district. The commission directed both the insurance company and the private hospital to jointly pay ₹30,000 as compensation to the patient.
The case relates to an incident on September 18, 2024, when the complainant’s son, Koayakkutty, experienced breathing difficulties and underwent surgery at a private hospital. The child was discharged the next day, on September 19. Although the insurance company had initially approved an advance of ₹11,000 for the treatment, it sanctioned only ₹41,800 against a total bill of ₹66,500, stating that no higher amount could be approved.
As a result, the family was forced to borrow money from relatives to settle the remaining amount. Only after paying the full bill were the complainant and his family allowed to leave the hospital later in the evening.
The complainant stated that he was shocked when asked to pay ₹24,700 at the time of discharge, as he had not arranged the amount in advance. Though he was discharged at 9 am, he could leave the hospital only around 4 pm after arranging the money. During this time, his post-surgery child and wife were made to wait in the hospital lobby.
Five days later, the insurance company approved an additional amount of ₹23,905. Alleging lapses on the part of the insurance company, the complainant approached the district consumer commission.
After examining the case, the commission found deficiencies in service on the part of both the insurance company and the hospital, as the discharged patient was forced to remain at the hospital due to the delay in insurance approval. The commission ordered that the compensation be paid within 45 days, failing which interest at the rate of nine per cent would be applicable.
