We mortal men whether rich or poor flock to hospital for various ailments where, doctors are considered as next to God and true that many come out joyfully but many had to answer the call of God there itself and that sad end is the destiny everyone had to face in different ways. However sadly, the poor bore the brunt of high cost at private hospitals but ultimately opted for was with the high expectation of curing their ailments or at time situation compelled them to opt for such clinic not necessarily by choice but circumstances. As such many poor are paying out through their nose with the hope of curing their sickness just to end up in financial desperation.
Therefore, it may be prudent on the part of the medical fraternity of Nagaland to adopt constituted uniform rules in the interest of the Naga public. However, I unconditionally apologized that I have no much knowledge about the constituted rules of Medical Council India and Medical Council of Nagaland and only trying to fathom the logic behind therein.
No wonder, this write up is based on my experience with a certain private hospital in Kohima which, I found it to be a bit obscured and invariably desirous of knowing the fact and figure how calculation and charge those fees for the patient’s confinement in their hospital in their hospitals. Well, an acquaintance was admitted to a private hospital for complain of stomach pain on 17th Jan.2017 at 5;30 p.m. and was discharged the next day 18th Jan.2017 at 3;30 p.m. that comes to 22 hours. Whereas, as per the room rent charge, maintenance charge i.e. Rs.2350x2=4700 + Rs.300x2=600/-respectively comes to totaling Rs.5300/- for 22 hours stay in that hospital which should be otherwise Rs.2650/- only. All the other charges such as doctors, nurse visiting charges, service charges, and medicine charges are found to be fair enough to the best of my observation and belief. Thus accordingly, I’ve approached the Managing Director with a written note seeking clarification on the matter where he warmly welcome and hear me out patiently. Where according to his version; “Yes! According to hourly calculation you might be right making 24 hours a day but you see, in hotel you come in the late evening and stay put beyond checkout time 12;00 noon the next day, you’re liable to pay additional day’s charge whether you stay for 24 hours or less and yes this is what we have been doing since from the beginning where nobody complain or question on the matter but of course I don’t really know other private hospital and their calculating and the charge on their patients admitted to their clinics.”
Which in other word shows that there’s no specific rules governing private hospital and thus adversely effecting the Naga public especially the rural poor for whom a thousand rupees is a big money. Well, it may seem overtone expression to many who have never encounter such a situation in their life but reasoning the prevailing universal code of conduct in this matter may enlighten them with logical conclusion. True, I never mean to demean or tarnish the good reputation of my benefactor (Private clinics) rather I wholly support their yeomen service in healthcare sector and services with modern facilities that are not available in the govt. hospitals in the state. Therefore, I ardently implore upon the private clinics to take it in the best of sense and let the Naga public know the veracity of their billing system in the truest spirit of Christianity.
N. Haisoyi Ndang Author & Founder Naga script Author Zeliang customary laws Lower Bayavu Kohima
