Bengaluru, 11 Oct (H.S.):

The Karnataka government is considering a tougher law to prevent private hospitals from withholding the bodies of patients over unpaid medical bills, a practice that places bereaved families under severe financial and emotional pressure.

The proposed measure would allow criminal cases to be registered directly against hospitals that refuse to release bodies to recover outstanding treatment charges. The health department is examining stronger provisions to address shortcomings in the existing regulatory framework.

Although the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments framework contains provisions against withholding bodies, their implementation has remained a concern. The government is considering changes to ensure that billing disputes do not delay the handing over of bodies to relatives.

Under the existing arrangement described in the proposal, hospitals must release a body after obtaining a written undertaking from the family to settle pending dues. If the payment is subsequently withheld, the hospital can pursue recovery through legal proceedings.

However, the prospect of litigation can itself put pressure on grieving families. Those seeking to avoid court proceedings may borrow money to clear hospital bills, adding debt to the expenses and distress associated with a death.

Health Minister U.T. Khader said the requirement to pay outstanding charges before receiving a relative’s body had become an unbearable burden for poor families already struggling with bereavement.

He said withholding bodies to secure payment should not be permitted under any circumstances and that the government would formulate an appropriate policy to prevent the practice.

The proposed changes would strengthen accountability while allowing hospitals to seek recovery of legitimate dues through legal channels.

The central objective is to ensure that families can receive the bodies of their relatives without being forced into immediate financial settlements.

The measure remains under consideration, with the government examining how to make existing protections more effective.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman