Kohima: The Nagaland Health Protection Society is fighting a massive billing dispute. A hospital slapped a family with a bill for over 5 lakh rupees. The state insurance scheme only covered 1.6 lakh. The society is now demanding the hospital follow official guidelines.
NHPS chief Thavaseelan K says the agency is forcing the hospital to rethink the charges. The scheme covers NICU beds, oxygen, and labs. Some drugs also qualify for reimbursement. The agency reminds the hospital that it signed a contract for cashless treatment. They cannot charge patients for anything covered by the policy. Only items like diapers or voluntary upgrades for rooms are billable to the family.
Eden Medical Centre claims the baby needed 64 days of intensive care. The hospital says the parents knew about the potential for extra costs. “They acknowledged this information and signed a written consent agreeing to bear any charges not covered under the insurance scheme,” the hospital stated. Management claims they are now trying to process extra add-ons to zero out the bill.
The hospital also fired back at public criticism. They claim reports in the media hurt their reputation. Lawyers are now involved. Meanwhile, the NHPS is telling everyone to call their helpline at 1800-202-3380. They want to settle these messes before they go public.
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