Siliguri, 26th September: A 70-year-old patient died at a private hospital in Siliguri’s Pradhan Nagar, following which his family alleged medical negligence and excessive billing. The incident also led to tension at the hospital.
According to the patient’s family, the elderly man was admitted to the private hospital while he was conscious and able to speak. The family alleged that his condition deteriorated after he was placed on ventilation and claimed that he was put on ventilation without informing them.
Family member Tapas Kumar Barman alleged that doctors and hospital authorities gave them different accounts regarding the patient’s condition. The family was repeatedly asked for more time and assured that the patient would recover.
Meanwhile, the family alleged that a large amount was charged for treatment and medicines. They claimed that a medicine bill of around Rs 36,000 was issued for a single day and that substantial amounts were spent on treatment each day. The family also raised questions over the transparency of the bills.
The family further alleged that they were not informed for a considerable period even after the patient had died. They subsequently lodged a complaint at Pradhan Nagar Police Station.
Following the complaint, police reached the hospital and brought the situation under control. No statement was available from the hospital authorities regarding the allegations.
