Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayapura (SP)

Vijayapura, Sep 24: After a private hospital here demanded clearance of the balance Rs three lac before the body of the deceased could be released, the relatives of the deceased protested by way of begging.

A person identified as Raju Bhovi was being treated for coronavirus infection at the hospital since the last ten days. The hospital had already collected Rs four lac from the relatives of the patient towards treatment cost. The treatment failed to heal Bhovi, and he breathed his last on Tuesday evening. The hospital authorities demanded payment of Rs three lac more before the body could be released. The members of Bhovi family, who were directionless, held protest in front of the hospital with the support of former municipal councillors. Many members of the general public came in support of the protesters. Addressing the protesters, former councillor Umesh Vandala, accused the private hospital of indulging in such unjustified means with an eye on amassing wealth. He demanded for the cancellation of the licence given to the hospital and action against the doctors.

Deceased's relatives protesting

The protesters, who squatted in front of the hospital on the road, began to seek alms after sometime. When the situation appeared to be turning grim, the police requested the protesters to withdraw. The protesters demanded the presence of the district health and family welfare officer to listen to their grievances. The district health officer, Dr Mahendra Kapase, came there and assured to take action against such hospitals. He also ordered the hospital to release the body forthwith and reminded them that they have to abide by rates fixed by the government for COVID treatment.