Woman ‘kept back' in hospital for 10 days

She was asked to clear bill before being discharged

WAITING: Ayshatul Kubra at a private hospital in Mangalore on Tuesday. Photo: Sudipto Mondal

A poor woman was allegedly not discharged for 10 days by the authorities of a private hospital for not clearing the bill. She was finally discharged on Tuesday after some social organisations intervened.

Speaking to The Hindu, Ayshatul Kubra (27), a resident of Manchi in Bantwal taluk, said that she had delivered a baby at Unity Hospital in Falnir three months ago. “A month after the delivery, I developed severe pain in my left leg and got readmitted to the hospital.”

According to her, she was treated for over two months at the hospital.

“Her treatment was completed 10 days ago and the doctor asked us to pay the bill and get her discharged. But we fell short by around Rs. 1 lakh,” said Mohammed Basheer, her brother and sole guardian, who is a daily wage-earner. “Her husband deserted her after the child was born,” he added.

A local newspaper reported the plight of the family on Tuesday and triggered widespread outrage. Members of several organisations converged on the hospital and started demanding the immediate discharge of the patient. Finally, Khader Haaji, a businessman from Bangalore, intervened and paid the dues.

However, speaking to

The Hindu, the Director of the hospital, Ashfaq Moideen, denied the charges and said that Ms. Kubra was cured only on Monday.

“It is not true that we held her for 10 days. She was ready to be discharged only on Monday. Our hospital has always been committed to the poor and needy. We have also given the family a substantial discount,” Mr. Moideen said.