Health
Health Department Enforces New Rules to Stop Private Hospitals from Withholding Bodies Over Unpaid Bills
The health department has introduced strict regulations to prevent private hospitals from holding deceased patients’ bodies due to unpaid treatment costs, aiming to protect families from undue distress.
The health department has announced new regulations to curb the practice of private hospitals holding bodies when treatment bills remain unpaid.
The decision follows growing complaints that hospitals were refusing to hand over deceased patients, causing significant distress among families and the public.
Under the new rules, hospitals must release bodies within a specified timeframe and will face penalties if they fail to comply. The regulations also require hospitals to provide clear documentation of any outstanding dues.
The department will monitor compliance and has pledged to assist families in navigating the process, ensuring that the deceased are handled with dignity and respect.
The decision follows growing complaints that hospitals were refusing to hand over deceased patients, causing significant distress among families and the public.
Under the new rules, hospitals must release bodies within a specified timeframe and will face penalties if they fail to comply. The regulations also require hospitals to provide clear documentation of any outstanding dues.
The department will monitor compliance and has pledged to assist families in navigating the process, ensuring that the deceased are handled with dignity and respect.