Delhi, September 10: In a troubling case, Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital has faced accusations from Pankaj Kumar Mishra, a security guard, who claims that the hospital unduly delayed the discharge of his newborn twins to inflate the bill. Mishra alleges that despite paying INR 5 lakh, the hospital demanded a total of INR 13 lakh, inflating the bill well beyond the initial estimate of INR 4-5 lakh. The hospital, however, refutes these claims, stating that the high costs were due to the specialised care required for the pre-term twins and that the discharge was delayed because of the parent's refusal to complete necessary formalities.

According to an Indian Express report, Pankaj Kumar Mishra's twins were born at Apollo Cradle and Children’s Hospital on July 17 after a high-risk delivery. The newborns were immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to their premature birth. Despite the critical condition of the babies, Mishra was initially quoted an estimated cost of INR 4-5 lakh for the entire process, which was expected to be reduced to INR 2.5-3 lakh with a discount. Mishra paid INR 5 lakh during the hospital stay but was later confronted with demands for additional funds totalling INR 13 lakh, leading to escalating tensions. Delhi Shocker: Narrow Escape For Family as 'Crazy' Neighbour Sets Their House on Fire (Watch Video).

Following the birth, Mishra alleged that the hospital continuously inflated the bill, generating charges of INR 60-65,000 per day. Although the babies were reportedly moved out of NICU and into the nursery on August 31, the discharge was repeatedly delayed due to what the hospital described as the family's failure to complete necessary formalities. As per the report, Mishra claimed that despite numerous attempts to settle the bill and take his children home, he was denied access until additional payments were made, which he alleged were unjustified and excessive. Delhi Shocker: ‘Unhappy’ With Birth of Twin Girls, Family Kills and Buries Both Infants; Case Registered.

The hospital, however, defended its actions, attributing the inflated costs to the high-risk nature of the delivery and the extensive care required for the premature twins. They asserted that the family’s refusal to follow discharge procedures and their disruptive behaviour towards the staff contributed to the ongoing situation. The Apollo Cradle team claimed that the delays were not due to any billing issues but rather the parents’ lack of compliance. Pankaj Kumar Mishra, a security guard stationed at an ATM kiosk in Gurgaon, has expressed frustration over the handling of his case and the financial strain imposed by the hospital.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2024 09:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).