HC lambasts hospital for issuing "cooked up bills" to patient

Madras High Court has reduced the
claim amount awarded by the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) to a victim while pulling up a private hospital for issuing "cooked up" medical bills to him.
A division bench comprising justices R Sudhakar and S Vaidyanathan gave the order last week on an appeal by New India Assurance Company against the Rs 44.75 lakh compensation awarded by the MACT to Karthik, who was severely injured in an accident in 2012, following which his right leg was amputated.
"We record our anguish over the action of the hospital authorities who have issued cooked up cash receipts in support of the patient. Their action has to be deprecated. They can neither take the judiciary nor the insurer for a ride. Public shall be made aware of such hospitals," the judges said.

Karthik and his friend met with an accident on September
16, 2012, while riding a motorcycle at nearby Otteri and both of them sustained injuries.

Alleging that the owner and insurer of the lorry were jointly and severally liable to pay compensation, Karthik moved the MACT, seeking Rs six lakh as compensation.
Later, he enhanced his claim petition to Rs 40 lakh.
However, taking into account the income of Karthik, the
Tribunal awarded Rs 44,75,000 as compensation, higher than what Karthik had actually sought, with 7.5 per cent interest.
Challenging the quantum of compensation awarded by the Tribunal, the Insurance Company moved the High Court.

Verifying the bills issued by the hospital, the bench said, "the said bills are unbelievable. Even a cursory glance at the cash receipts issued by hospital would reveal that they were cooked up ones for the purpose of proceeding with the claim."
The bench noted that there was no description in the cash receipts of injections or tablets given to Karthik, nor details of medicines and drips given to him.
"Though we are not inclined to rely on those receipts, considering the nature of injuries sustained by the claimant, which are grievous in nature and considering the fact that his right leg has been amputated, this court awards a total compensation of Rs 21,55,500 with 7.5 per cent interest."

The court directed the insurance company to credit this
amount in Karthik's bank account after reducing the sum if any paid already, within six weeks.