Forum to file PIL against dispute

Tired of the high-handed behaviour of hospitals and insurance providers, the Mumbai Grahak Panchayat, a public consumer forum, has threatened to move court against the two in a week.

“We have been urging them to meet and resolve their issues amicably. However, if that does not happen in a week, we will be forced to file a PIL against them,” said Shirish Deshpande, chairman, Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.
“Whatever the issue, in the crossfire between hospitals, TPAs and insurance companies, the consumer is the one who is suffering,” he added.

“Insurance companies have solicited business by saying that they will offer a hassle-free cashless scheme. But now, because hospitals have discovered some loopholes in the scheme, they cannot unilaterally terminate the arrangement. They should, instead, try to find a middle path,” said Deshpande, adding that he blamed the insurance companies largely for the problem.

The directive principles of the constitution state that there is a social obligation on the part of the companies and they cannot withdraw from the agreement. If they were to be dragged to court, they wouldn’t stand a chance, said consumer activists.

“I blame both — hospitals for inflating costs and refusing patients, and insurance companies for terminating their agreement,” said Anant Ghadge, a consumer activist.