Kathmandu, December 31

Department of Supply Management and Protection of Consumers Interest today sent a letter to Metropolitan Police Division, asking it to initiate action against B&B Hospital, National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences and Ishan Children and Women’s Hospital for overcharging patients.

The department had sent a letter with evidences collected during field inspection of the hospitals, and statements of patients and hospital staffers. Earlier, the hospitals were asked to furnish clarification after they were found overcharging patients.

Director General at the department Kumar Prasad Dahal said, “We have asked the MPD to launch further investigation and take action against the hospitals. The hospitals were found to be overcharging patients under different headings.”

The department officials had paid an inspection visit after receiving complaints against the hospitals The hospitals were found charging 10 per cent extra fee for beds and 13 per cent VAT, among other things. The government allows hospitals to charge patients only five per cent as health services fee.

B&B hospital was found to be operating with 25 more beds. Ten per cent of beds should be allocated for the poor people, but the hospital wasn’t found doing so.