Continuous Extortion and Alleged Medical Exploitation
In Garhwa district of Jharkhand, a private hospital has come under intense scrutiny after allegations emerged that it extorted large sums of money from a poor family under the pretext of medical treatment — and refused to release a newborn baby when full payments were not made. The incident has raised serious questions about ethics in private healthcare and access to affordable care for the economically vulnerable.
The matter originated in the Katkhal Kala village under the Dhurki police station area when resident Reena Devi was admitted to a hospital following childbirth. Initially taken to the government Garhwa Sadar Hospital, she was reportedly pressured by an intermediary (dalal) to move to a private facility named The New City Hospital with the promise of better care.
Money Demands and Mounting Bills
According to the family, on January 18, Reena Devi and her newborn were admitted to the private hospital. The management is accused of diagnosing the baby with various ailments and demanding repeated payments for “treatment.” Initially, Rs 5,000 was collected, followed by a request for Rs 40,000. As days passed, pressure continued for more money, compelling the poor family to struggle to pay the mounting bills.
Refusal to Release the Baby
On February 3, hospital doctor Bhaskar informed the family that the baby could be discharged but demanded Rs 72,000. The family managed to produce only Rs 36,000, which they paid, yet the hospital still refused to release the infant. The family alleges that the remaining Rs 37,000 is being used as leverage to keep the newborn in custody.
The hospital’s legal representative has stated that the baby will be released only once the full payment is made, though he claimed limited knowledge of the situation and promised to facilitate resolution if needed.
Administrative Response and Investigation
Civil Surgeon Dr. John F. Kennedy has directed a formal investigation into the incident, warning that strict action will be taken if the allegations are confirmed. He also stated that efforts would be made to identify and take action against unscrupulous intermediaries in the region. In the meantime, the patient’s family has been transported via ambulance to a higher center for better care.
