Heart patient denied treatment over lack of online payment facility at Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital

KOCHI: Treatment was delayed to a heart patient in the name of not having an online payment facility at the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital. The hospital authorities told the patient, who had developed discomfort while travelling and had arrived seeking medical attention, that a consultation slip could not be issued without payment.

Kareem A K of Perumbavoor, was the one who had the bad experience. The hospital authorities said they would not accept online payments and reportedly advised him to go to a private hospital if needed urgent treatment. The patient was kept waiting at the hospital for nearly 45 minutes without receiving treatment. By the time he made the payment and a doctor arrived to examine him, his condition had deteriorated. The patient was later referred to Kalamassery Medical College and his condition has improved since then.