I went to the hospital on 27/12/2022 with a severe breathing problem. I went on emergency and have a credit facility from NFC, Hyderabad. I took the referral letter from the zonal panel hospital of OMNI, Kukatpally as I was staying at my daughter’s house in KPHB 5th phase. But the KIMS authorities refused to accept the letter citing certain remarks.
They told me to report to the emergency ward. When gone to the emergency ward, they inspected and advised immediate treatment. Even though it was told to KIMS, we have NFC credit and a referral letter will be brought from NFC, Sanjeevani hospital, they insisted for payment of Rs9000/- immediately.
The treatment was started only after payment. But after submitting the referral letter from Sanjeevani also, they have not refunded the amount citing it is for consumables and non - refundable. But actually, they are refundable as, I have credit facility of CHSS, DAE, NFC central government. They should not charge even a single paisa.
After the treatment at the emergency ward, I was shifted to ICU. Again at the time of admission, they charged Rs. 5000/ and told it is for miscellaneous expenses. They clarified orally, that the unspent amount will be returned at the time of Discharge.
Similarly, next day i.e. on 28/12/2022, Rs 4000/- was collected and told it is for HINI test. Even though again told, I was in NFC credit, they told these test expenses are non- refundable. From this, it is clear that KIMS authorities are not following the agreement with NFC.
I was discharged on 2/01/2023 and at the time of discharge when asked for a refund of un utilized amount against the Rs 5000/- paid as an advance, it was told it will be given when I come for the next review. They cited the reason that bills are not finalized. They are not in a position to show the break-up expenses for the amount spent. Again I have gone for review after one week, I enquired about my refund amount. KIMS billing section told, they have not yet received the final bill papers. But they confirmed around Rs1300/- is due for refund. They told me to come again after one week to collect the amount. But I expressed my inability to come again, as I am leaving to my native place, Eluru. Then, they agreed to deposit the amount to my account.
Accordingly, they have given the application and the same is filled and submitted with all the bank details. They have given the contact number 040-71231055. Since the last 15 days I am contacting the above number and the staff is telling it can not be transferred online and it will be given in cash only after coming to the hospital. As I am still in Eluru, I can not go personally to collect the cash.
Finally, I want to tell, KIMS authorities are not helping the patients and they are interested in money only. Even though the discharge clearance was given by the doctor in the morning at 11 o clock, the final clearance was given to leave the hospital at eight o clock in the night. They are not understanding how much difficulty people will face to go to remote areas in the night.