A dispute over a patient's health insurance money at a private hospital led to major unrest between hospital authorities and the patient's family members. The incident occurred in the Pradhan Nagar area of Siliguri. Both parties have filed complaints at the police station.
Sumendra Tamang is a resident of Kurseong. About a month ago, he admitted his brother-in-law, Bhabesh Rai, to the nursing home for treatment. Sumendra said, "We have a private insurance policy. So the treatment costs should be paid by that company. This was also told to the hospital earlier. But the hospital authorities are now avoiding the insurance matter and demanding cash payment."
Sumendra claimed they were willing to pay any additional bills beyond insurance coverage. Meanwhile, the hospital director came and physically assaulted him, hurling abuses. On Tuesday night, Sumendra filed a complaint at Pradhan Nagar police station. Hospital authorities also filed a counter-complaint at the station.
The hospital director complained to the police that a person named Bhabesh Rai was admitted to the hospital on September 15. The bill came to nearly 6 lakh rupees. But he received 2 lakh rupees from health insurance. The patient's family was informed about the remaining bill. The authorities claimed that on Tuesday morning, one of the patient's relatives, along with several others, started shouting and creating a commotion at the hospital. When they tried to control the situation, they used indecent language and abused, and also assaulted hospital staff.
However, attempts to directly contact the hospital authorities were unsuccessful. Pradhan Nagar police station IC Basudev Sarkar said that cases have been filed based on complaints and counter-complaints from both parties, and an investigation has begun. According to police sources, CCTV footage from the hospital is being collected, and statements from both parties may be recorded.
