Incidents of hefty bills being handed to Covid-10 patients are coming up from all over the country. In a similar incident, A family of Covid19 patient was quoted an estimate of Rs. 9.09 lakh.

The family of the patient was in shock when they were quoted an estimate of Rs. 9.09 lakh by Bengaluru`s Columbia Asia Hospital for 10 days in ICU with a ventilator. 

The 67-year-old man awaiting a COVID test result went to this hospital as he was gasping for breath. On hearing the estimated bill, the family did not admit him. The break up of the bill includes Rs 1.40 lakh for ventilator charges, Rs 3 lakh for medicines, medical supplies and consumables, Rs 2 lakh for laboratory investigations, Rs 75,000 for room rent. Rs 75,000 professional fee, Rs 58,500 for nursing charges, Rs 35,000 for radiology investigations and physiotherapy, Rs 25,000 equipment and surgical items.

The bill said this is only an estimated amount and the actual costs could be higher in the event of complications, an unanticipated extension of stay and comorbid conditions.

Abdul Basir, a relative of the patient said," My uncle was tested at St. John`s Hospital on Sunday and we were awaiting the swab test result. On Monday, he began gasping for breath at 2.30 pm. His oxygen saturation level was low. The hospital told us they have an ICU bed so we rushed him to the emergency there. They said he can be admitted and showed us this estimate bill and we were shocked."

On Tuesday morning, his uncle tested positive for COVID-19. Reacting to the same, Minister for Medical Education Dr. K Sudhakar said that hospitals cannot charge this much and action will be taken against them. Commissioner for Health, Pankaj Kumar Pandey said that District Health Officer Dr. Srinivas will enquire into the matter.

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