CMS hospital allegedly turn down patients without Aadhar ID

Thane: The staff at the Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj (CSM) hospital has been reportedly refusing treatment to patients who do not carry their Aadhar IDs with them. However, the hospital administration has justified that identity proof was being sought for any upgradation plan but no patinet was being turned down for not carrying Aadhar card.
On Monday, several patients alleged that the hospital staff has refused to hand out outpatients department forms to those who were not carrying an ID proof. They claimed that there was no prior information given except for a a notice board that was put up later in the day asking patients to come with Aadhar cards for treatment.

Shakil Ahmed, a resident of Kharegaon, had visited the OPD section of CSM hospital on Monday morning. He was in for a rude shock when the hospital staff refused him treatment till he produced his Aadhar ID. Ahmed said that like him several others were turned down by the staff asking them to get their respective identity proofs. The rule for carrying a valid ID proof has been in force recently, claimed regulars who have been facing problems reaching the hospital.

“I visited the hospital as I had a throat infection, but the staff refused to give me the form that is required to be filled up before consultation. They insisted that I show them my Aadhar card first or share my mobile number with them. I had to return without getting any treatment,” Ahmed added.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sandhya Khadse, dean at CSM hospital, refuted these allegations saying that patients were not refused treatment. The administration is working towards introducing e-health cards for patients for which a prior registration is necessary with relevant identity proof. “There must be some misunderstanding by patients as we never refuse treatment to anyone. We insist that patients carrying valid ID cards. I will send out clear instructions to my staff to ensure there is no misunderstanding and no patient are not left without beign treated,” said Khadse.