A major controversy erupted at Santokba Durlabhji Hospital in Jaipur on Sunday after the family of a deceased patient alleged that the hospital withheld the body over an outstanding medical bill. The family claimed that the hospital refused to release the body without the payment of an alleged balance of approximately Rs 1. 79 lakh. Following the intervention of Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena, the body was eventually handed over to the family, and instructions were given for a police investigation into the matter.
The Unfortunate Incident
Vikram Meena, 42, a resident of Dausa, was admitted to Durlabhji Hospital on October 13 after being seriously injured in a road accident at Balaji Mor, Mahwa (Dausa). According to Jagram Meena, a relative of the patient, the hospital administration initially refused to admit Vikram under the Ayushman Bharat or Maa Yojana, stating that they only provided treatment on a cash basis. Over approximately 13 days of treatment, the hospital bill accumulated to more than Rs 8 lakh. While the family managed to pay Rs 6. 39 lakh, they alleged that after Vikram's unfortunate demise on Saturday, the hospital demanded the remaining Rs 1. 79 lakh before releasing the body.
Vikram Meena's family vehemently accused the hospital of deliberately denying them. The benefits of government health schemes and forcing them into cash payments. They claimed that the hospital held the body for over 24 hours for the outstanding bill, causing immense emotional distress during their time of grief. Protests and slogans against the hospital administration ensued on the premises, escalating the tension, while feeling helpless, the family reached out to Minister Kirodi Lal Meena for assistance.
Family's Ordeal and Allegations
Minister Kirodi Lal Meena's Intervention
Responding to the family's distress call, Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena arrived at Durlabhji Hospital around 10:30 AM on Sunday. He first engaged with the grieving family, listening to their full account of the events. Subsequently, the Minister directly confronted the hospital administration, seeking clarification on the situation. Following his intervention, the hospital promptly released the body to the family.
