Rajya Sabha MP and Gujarat Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil has accused SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad of fraudulent billing practices involving patients using Ayushman cards. He alleged that patients were charged for treatments and medicines that were not administered and demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter.
On Friday, Gohil addressed a press conference highlighting concerns over the treatment of patients at the hospital.
“I raised the issue in Parliament to draw attention to the alleged malpractices and ensure corrective actions are taken to prevent further suffering for patients,” he said.
According to Gohil, rather than addressing the concerns, SVP Hospital issued a press statement claiming all operations were functioning smoothly.
However, Gohil presented facts and evidence that contradicted these claims. He cited a case where a patient admitted under the Ayushman Card scheme was assured of free treatment. Despite this, the hospital later issued a demand for Rs 67,000 when the patient required additional care.
The patient’s family sought Gohil’s assistance, leading him to contact the Resident Medical Officer (RMO). However, the hospital refused to adjust the bill despite multiple requests.
Additionally, Gohil revealed that the hospital charged the patient Rs 29,899 for medicines, some of which were never administered. “Under pressure from the family, who threatened to protest and involve the media, the hospital acknowledged its mistake,” he claimed.
Supporting evidence, including photographs of unused medicines abandoned in the pharmacy, was displayed during the press conference. Following this, the bill was revised to Rs 3,069.
He further alleged that “In a separate incident, the hospital charged the same patient Rs 4,200 for an X-ray. The amount had already been paid in cash, but it was still included in the final bill. The family’s protest led to further exposure of the hospital’s billing practices”.
Gohil demanded a judicial inquiry into the matter and called for strict action against those responsible for the fraudulent activities.
AICC Session Preparation In Full Swing
In a related announcement, Gohil confirmed that the Congress would host its National Convention in Ahmedabad on April 8-9. This marks the return of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) convention to Gujarat after many years.
The first Congress convention was held in 1885, and the 1938 Haripura Session in the state played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle by passing the resolution for complete independence.
“To commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary in 2025, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) will hold a meeting at the Sardar Memorial in Shahibaug on April 8 at 11:30 am,” Gohil said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Chief Ministers from Congress-ruled states, Pradesh Congress Presidents, CWC members, and other dignitaries are expected to attend.
On the same evening, senior Congress leaders will participate in a prayer meeting at Sabarmati Ashram, acknowledging the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, who served as the Gujarat Congress President for the longest period.
“A cultural programme will follow, attended by all CWC members. On April 9, the National Convention will take place on the banks of the Sabarmati River, with over 3,000 delegates from across the country in attendance,” he concluded.
Also Read: SEBI Raids Gujarat IPS Officer’s Residence In Stock Manipulation Probe
