Octogenarian held hostage in hospital over non-payment of bill

An 80-year-old patient was tied up with a rope and kept as a hostage in the hospital for five days for not paying the hospital bill in Madhya Pradesh. The old man also alleged that he was not given food.

Shahjapur (Madhya Pradesh): An unfortunate incident has come to light from a private hospital here, where an octogenarian man was tied to the hospital bed and was not allowed to go home after he failed to pay the hospital bill.

The 80 year old patient, Laxmi Narayan, who is a resident of Rajgarh district was admitted to the hospital following some ailments.

The man upon being admitted in the hospital had already paid a bill of Rs 11,000. However, after the treatment the man accompanied by his daughter were asked to pay another sum of Rs 11,000. As the duo was not able to pay more amount, the hospital staff kept both of them as hostages.

The patient has also been informed by the hospital authorities that they will not be discharged till they don't pay the outstanding amount.

The patient has alleged that he was not given food or water from the past five days.

The daughter of the victim also said that she had already paid the hospital with whatever money she had and could not arrange for more money due COVID-19.

Other hospitalised patients also justify the allegations levelled by the victim.