The Bombay High Court has asked the Maharashtra government to develop a system which would allow the state to take action against hospitals and doctors who detain patients and hold up bodies for non-payment of medical bills.

“Illegal detention should set criminal law into motion. A mechanism is much needed to enable the state to take action based on the complaints filed by patients and family members” was the common message echoed by the bench hearing the PIL.The bench has also asked the government to speak with hospitals and doctors to avoid such situations.

The PIL said that there were many instances where due to non-payment of bills the patients were detained or bodies not handed over to the families.

Strike a Balance

While the PIL argues for the patient and family’s right. Such an issue needs to be regulated properly before the HC can issue a write in this matter. It is also important to strike a balance, so that doctors are not at the receiving end of this regulation. The HC asked the government to hold a dialogue with organisations of medical consultants and super-speciality hospitals on the issue, to come up with the best possible solution.

With inputs from The Indian Express, PTI

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