Guwahati: Dispur takes serious note on private hospitals holding back bodies

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has taken a serious note on a section of private hospitals holding back bodies or patients without releasing them in the event of their attendants not being able to foot hospital bills. Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We’ve information regarding holding back bodies and patients by private healthcare institutes for non-payment of bills. However, neither the Constitution of India nor the laws of the land allow it. In the event of a party not being able to pay bills, a hospital can sign an agreement with the party. To ensure the payment of the bill, the hospital can even take the legal course. It, however, cannot hold back bodies or patients.”

The Chief Minister said, “The Cabinet will take a decision on this issue shortly. We will provide a helpline number for the victims to dial. On receipt of such calls, the police will go to the hospitals and let the attendants go with bodies.”

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