Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Unethical Practices at AIMS Hospital, Dombivli
I would like to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding AIMS Hospital in Dombivli(Thane District). It is strongly believed that such hospitals and the individuals managing them should be blacklisted, as they jeopardize lives, exploit emotions, and impose significant financial burdens on patients and their families. I urge the authorities to take appropriate action to ensure that others do not fall victim to the unethical practices and malfunctioning services provided by such institutions. Incidents like these erode public trust in the medical profession.
Outlined below is a detailed account of the experience encountered:
A patient was admitted to AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, for an umbilical hernia on the recommendation of a local doctor. The referral system appears to function as an organized network of doctors directing patients to larger hospitals for financial gain. Upon admission to the ICU, the initial cost estimate provided was approximately INR 3 lakhs( on 4th Dec evening) . However, once the hospital staff became aware of the availability of medical insurance, the estimate was suddenly increased to INR 5.27 lakhs( 5th december morning), as indicated in the attached documentation.
This marked the beginning of what appeared to be fraudulent practices. When a request was made for a transfer to another hospital due to suspected overcharging, the hospital’s staff began using intimidation tactics, stating that they would not be responsible for any adverse outcomes. The attending doctor used inappropriate language and displayed a lack of compassion toward the patient and their family.
The first five days in the ICU were spent in a makeshift setup with only curtains separating beds, yet a daily charge of INR~11, 000 was levied. There were numerous instances of inflated pharmacy bills, with some items being returned internally overnight without clear documentation. Relatives faced restrictions in visiting the ICU, leaving them uninformed about the actual treatment being provided. Questions were often met with intimidation or humiliation from the hospital staff.
Despite facing financial constraints, an amount of INR 7, 12, 555 RS was paid by taking personal and gold loans. Furthermore, additional financial strain was encountered due to a family member’s recent medical treatment at another clinic.
Upon transfer to a general ward, the services provided were substandard. Despite daily charges of INR 6, 000, the room facilities were inadequate, and basic services were rendered only after repeated requests.
Similar experiences were shared by other patients. For instance, one individual was charged INR 18 lakhs, while another patient, initially admitted for a minor issue, incurred bills ranging from INR 25-30 lakhs. In another case, a patient transferred from another hospital was charged excessively despite doctors knowing that survival chances were minimal.
The hospital’s billing practices are highly exploitative. They demand upfront payments for surgeries, withholding insurance documents and coercing families into paying under threats of potential complications. Later, they claim the full amount from the insurance provider while imposing additional unjustified charges.
The hospital staff, including nurses and assistants, often lack proper training and exhibit unprofessional behavior, making the experience emotionally and financially draining for patients and their families.
Government hospitals typically charge a maximum of INR 70, 000-80, 000 for critical hernia surgeries, yet AIMS Hospital billed INR 7, 12, 555. Many patients admitted to this hospital belong to the Central Government Service(CGS), and the hospital exploits them by knowing that they can claim at least 50% reimbursement from the government.
Approximately 80% of patients are CGS employees, while the remaining 20% are emotionally blackmailed into paying exorbitant amounts. Families, desperate to save their loved ones, often comply with the demands without questioning, fearing the consequences.
Despite various challenges over 15 days, the patient was eventually discharged from the hospital. However, during a follow-up visit, the hospital staff behaved inappropriately and attempted to force unnecessary further treatment to continue billing.
Most visiting doctors at the hospital come from outside, while regular assistants have limited experience. Additionally, internal staff members often demand bribes for minor services, forcing relatives to comply to ensure proper care.
Given the exploitative practices of this hospital, the following actions are requested:
Immediate investigation into AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, and the implementation of strict measures, including potential blacklisting, to protect future patients from falling victim to similar exploitation.
A refund of the excess amount charged, totaling INR 4, 12, 555(calculated as INR 7, 12, 555 minus the initially quoted INR 3, 00, 000).
Numerous complaints regarding AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, have been documented on online platforms, highlighting similar grievances from other patients.
If such hospitals continue exploiting patients for financial gain and compromising their well-being, it is a grave concern for the country’s healthcare system. Urgent intervention and strict regulatory action are necessary to prevent further exploitation of innocent people.