Patients claim Sevenhills demands money under cashless govt scheme

Patients alleged that even under the government scheme, there have been demands for money, denial of treatment, non-provision of food and no follow-ups.

More than 100 complaints have been registered with the Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayi Yojana (RGJY) against Seven Hills Hospital in Andheri.

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Patients alleged that even under the government scheme, there have been demands for money, denial of treatment, non-provision of food and no follow-ups.

After the death of three-yearold Sarah Poujekar, who was suffering from a congenital heart condition, RGJY issued a show cause notice to the hospital for “demanding money” though she was eligible for cashless treatment under the scheme.

“The doctors told me that the surgery would cost Rs1.75 lakh and that it would be covered under RGJY. But two days later, they said that the operations did not fit into RGJY and I would have to pay,” said Sarah’s father, Sajid Ali.Following his complaint RGJY looked into the case.

“The hospital said the child required additional procedures and hence the demand for funds. But our experts said that that Sarah could have been treated under RGJY,” said K Venkatesan, chief operating officer, RGJY.

Dr Hemlata Maganti, vice president of the hospital, said, “We have responded to the show cause notice and there was miscommunication with the patient. The child had gone to private out patient department initially and then referred to RGJY.”

Sources said the 104 complaints registered with RGJY were just the tip of the iceberg. “Fearing the hospital’s wrath, many patients don’t come forward,” said a senior official.