The public health department has initiated action against five private hospitals, including two private medical colleges, in Pune for alleged violations of the state government’s Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MPJAY), a cashless medical insurance scheme. These hospitals, located across various areas in Pune, stand accused of exploiting patients by demanding money for the cashless scheme, prescribing medicines, and denying treatment, prompting a series of complaints from affected individuals.
Key Points Highlighted in the Notices:
- Exploitative Practices: The hospitals under scrutiny have been accused of exploiting patients enrolled in the MPJAY scheme by demanding payments for treatments purportedly covered under the cashless scheme. Patients have reported instances of being asked to procure medicines from external sources at their own expense, contrary to the scheme’s provisions.
- Selective Treatment: Concerns have been raised regarding the hospitals’ selective approach to treatment, with allegations of providing care for specific ailments while denying treatment for others covered under the MPJAY scheme. Such discriminatory practices have led to dissatisfaction among patients and intensified scrutiny from regulatory authorities.
- Patient Complaints: A significant number of complaints, totaling 180, have been lodged by patients against these hospitals, citing various instances of malpractice and non-compliance with the MPJAY guidelines. Patients recount experiences of being misled regarding treatment costs and denied essential medical care under the scheme.
Responses from Patients and Authorities:
- Patients, such as Sanjay Gaikwad, have shared accounts of their experiences, highlighting instances of being asked to procure expensive medications despite assurances of free treatment under the MPJAY scheme. Others have voiced concerns over the hurdles encountered in accessing essential healthcare services.
- Dr. Vaibhav Gaikwad, district coordinator of MPJAY, emphasized the need for hospitals to adhere strictly to the scheme’s regulations, emphasizing that any deviation from the prescribed guidelines would warrant stringent action.
- Dr. Amol Mhaske, regional head of MPJAY, reiterated the government’s stance on addressing patient grievances promptly and withholding payments to hospitals until complaints are satisfactorily resolved. The issuance of notices follows a thorough verification process to ensure accountability and compliance.
As investigations into the alleged violations continue, regulatory authorities remain committed to upholding the integrity of the MPJAY scheme and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all eligible beneficiaries.
