HC asks hospital to file affidavit in 'negligence' death case

MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court on Monday directed Hiranandani Hospital to file an affidavit within four weeks in a case of alleged extortion and negligence resulting to the death of a patient.

A Division Bench of Justices Ranjana Desai and Anoop Mohta also directed state-run JJ Hospital to hand over the body to relatives.

The court was hearing a petition filed by one Pramod Nawar whose brother Madhusudan underwent heart, lung and kidney treatment at the Hiranandani Hospital but died on February 8.

The hospital refused to handover the body for non-payment of total bill even though Rs3,30,000 had been paid out of a total of Rs7,82,000.

"We are shocked. How can a hospital hold lien over a body like some property to recover money?" they asked.

The petitioner has alleged that the 'negligence' of doctors at Hiranandani Hospital led to the death of his brother.

The court has directed the Medical Council of India to be made a respondent in the case.

"Larger issues have to be dealt with and guidelines framed to deal with situations like this where treatment is required and the patients do not have funds for it. Can hospitals refuse patients who do not have money?" asked the judges.

The court has also directed the state to file progress report of the inquiry of the case.