Private hospital in Kalyan gets 'excess' billing notice from KDMC

KALYAN: Five days after a corporator literally carried a Covid survivor home from a private hospital in Kalyan, the municipality has issued a notice to the hospital to give its side regarding the allegation of over-billing a patient.
The patient had been admitted to Shri DeviHospital. Shiv Sena corporator Mahesh Gaikwad alleged that the hospital ran up an "excess" bill of Rs 1.7 lakh and refused to release the man until the bill was paid. Gaikwad alleged that the hospital had charged him for PPE kits and disposal.
On Wednesday, Gaikwad walked into the hospital, got himself a PPE kit, paid Rs 1.2 lakh as full and final settlement, carried the patient in his arms and left the hospital, said sources.
Kalyan-Dombivli civic body has now said it has asked the hospital to clarify within seven days or lose its licence.
Dr Bala Shetty, hospital owner, said the patient was admitted to a special ward. "We charged him as per the rate card given by the government."