MANGALORE, May 12 (The Hindu): After suffering for nearly a month with over 30 per cent burns, Leelavathi (36), a resident of Surathkal, died at a private hospital here around 2 a.m. on Monday. But her family has not been able to take possession of her body since they are unable to clear the bills of the hospital where she was admitted. Gangadhar Achari (47), brother of the deceased, told The Hindu, “I have sold and pawned everything I had, including my wife's wedding jewellery. I have no money to clear the hospital bills.” Mr. Achari, who is a carpenter, said that despite pleading with the hospital authorities, they had refused to release the body of his sister. Besides, the hospital is charging Rs. 1,000 for each day the body is kept in the morgue.
The managing director of the hospital said, “Is it wrong for us to demand that we be paid for our services? Let them pay the money and take the body. There can be no compromise.”
Hospital records show that the treatment cost was Rs. 2.5 lakh. “We have already paid around Rs. 1.75 lakh. We can pay another Rs. 25,000,” Mr. Achari said.
Reacting to the issue, Additional Superintendent of Police R. Ramesh said, “It is not only unethical but also illegal. I will immediately look into the matter and take necessary action.”