Karnataka to frame policy against hospitals withholding bodies over unpaid bills

Karnataka to frame policy against hospitals withholding bodies over unpaid bills Health Minister U.T. Khader says no hospital should deny families the bodies of deceased patients; government to examine complaints of excessive billing Bengaluru Karnataka’s Health Department will formulate a clear policy to prevent hospitals from withholding the bodies of deceased patients over unpaid medical bills, Health Minister U.T. Khader said on Thursday. Speaking after a meeting with representatives of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) in Bengaluru, Mr. Khader said no patient or family should be subjected to financial pressure during a medical emergency and that hospitals should not deny families access to the bodies of deceased patients on account of pending dues. The Health Department would frame a policy to address the issue, he said, reiterating that patient welfare and affordable healthcare remained the State government’s priorities.