Rs 6 Lakh Bill for Dengue Treatment Sparks Outrage; MLA Santosh Bangar Confronts Hospital
Case of Aditi Sarkate: Dengue Treatment Turns Into Financial Ordeal
The controversy began when 17-year-old Aditi Manikrao Sarkate, a resident of Kalamanuri constituency, was diagnosed with dengue and admitted to a private hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. According to her family, the hospital initially claimed her condition was serious and quoted an estimated medicine cost of ₹3 lakh.
The family, prioritizing Aditi’s health, complied without hesitation. However, after treatment, the hospital issued a final bill of ₹2.80 lakh, despite having already taken an advance payment of ₹1.80 lakh. When the hospital demanded an additional ₹85,000, the distressed family sought help from their local MLA.
MLA Bangar's Sharp Response: 'Did You Give Her Nectar?'
MLA Santosh Bangar, known for his outspoken style, directly called the hospital and questioned the exorbitant billing. In a stern voice, he demanded accountability:
“What do you mean by a six-lakh bill for dengue in just ten days? Did you give the patient nectar?” Bangar asked angrily, rejecting the hospital’s justification that the patient's condition was critical.
Hospital Backs Down Under Pressure
Following the intervention and growing public backlash, the hospital administration agreed to waive the remaining charges, bringing some relief to the Sarkate family. The incident has quickly escalated into a statewide discussion on medical ethics and the rising costs of private healthcare.
Spotlight on Private Hospital Billing Practices
This is not the first time such an incident has raised eyebrows. A similar controversy at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune recently drew criticism over excessive billing practices. The latest case in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar further highlights the need for regulation and transparency in the private healthcare sector.
Call for Government Action
Healthcare activists and citizens are demanding that the state government implement strict guidelines to prevent financial exploitation in hospitals, including charitable institutions. There are renewed calls for greater oversight of billing practices and mandatory transparency measures to protect vulnerable patients.
“It’s time the government addressed the unchecked freedom of private hospitals. Medical care should not push families into debt,” said a healthcare rights advocate.
This incident underscores the growing concerns over healthcare accessibility and affordability, especially for middle and lower-income families. As public anger mounts, pressure is building on the state government to act decisively and curb profiteering in the health sector.