ECHS had put Fortis on notice four months ago

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 12

It was four months ago that Fortis Hospital in Mohali, an empanelled medicare centre under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), was asked to explain alleged unethical practices and mistreatment on its part. The ECHS authorities have asked its polyclinics to stop referring patients to the hospital with immediate effect.

A letter written by the ECHS Regional Centre, Chandimandir, on March 9 to all polyclinics under its jurisdiction sates that in view of the numerous complaints received from ECHS beneficiaries, the ECHS Central Organisation has directed to impose a “stop referral” in respect of Fortis Hospital.

Old referrals, including old cases of chemotherapy and dialysis, will be honoured till the completion of the treatment or termination of the validity period of the referral, the letter adds.

A statement issued by the hospital today claimed that it was disturbed by the contents of the letter and objected to being accused of “unethical and unprofessional practices discharged towards the ECHS patients.”

“The show-cause notice was suitably responded and certain concerns were raised that were to be addressed by the ECHS. These have not been addressed till date and we are yet to receive a reply to our letter from the ECHS,” the statement added.

Fortis claims a monthly OPD footfall of approximately 3,500 ECHS patients and admission of nearly 800-900 ECHS patients per month.

A hospital functionary said no new ECHS admissions were being taken and even emergency cases were being turned away. This is creating inconvenience and confusion among ex-servicemen. However, all referrals and admissions done before March 10 are being fully honoured, according to the functionary. The hospital authorities, till late evening, were working out the future course of action.

The ECHS has received complaints about overcharging, medical malpractices and inflated billing by certain hospitals in the past also, following which some hospitals were de-empanelled. Several new policy measures and penal action were initiated by the ECHS authorities to curb this. This including vetting all treatment and bills by an external agency before payment is released.

Statement by hospital

“We suitably responded to the show-cause notice and certain concerns were raised that were to be addressed by the ECHS. These have not been addressed till date and we are yet to receive a reply to our letter from the ECHS,” the statement added.