Kathmandu, December 21

Department of Supply Management and Protection of Consumers Interest is preparing to file cases if hospitals failed to furnish satisfactory clarification over allegations that they overcharged patients.

The department had earlier said that it found six private hospitals overcharging patients.

“The hospitals have submitted documents and investigation is on. If they fail to furnish satisfactory clarification cases will be filed against them. The investigation process will not take more than a week,” said Kumar Prasad Dahal, director general at the department.

Earlier, the department had asked Gwarko-based B&B Hospital and Dhapasi-based Grande International Hospital to furnish clarification. The Bansbari-based National Institute of Neurological and Allied Sciences and Balkhu-based Vayodha hospital too were found to be overcharging patients.

Similarly, HAMS Hospital in Buddhanagar and Bagbazar-based Model Hospital were also asked to furnish clarification.

HAMS hospital’s pharmacy was found to be running without registration. Among other things, the hospitals were found charging 10 per cent more for beds and 13 per cent VAT, which according to the department is illegal.

The hospitals are allowed to charge patients only five per cent as service fee.

The Supreme Court has already issued a show cause notice to the government regarding VAT and health services fee charged by private hospitals.

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