I am writing to share a distressing experience my family had at Apollo Hospital Navi Mumbai last weekend, specifically in relation to the services provided by Dr. Swapnil Gosavi (ENT). It is with great disappointment that I recount the events, hoping to raise awareness and caution others from falling victim to similar situations.
Last weekend, my aunt faced a medical emergency when a small wire became lodged in her throat during dinner. To seek prompt assistance, we rushed her to Apollo Hospital Navi Mumbai. To our dismay, instead of a quick resolution, the hospital subjected her to a series of unnecessary tests and admitted her to the standard ward overnight.
The wire was eventually removed the next morning via endoscopy by Dr. Swapnil Gosavi. However, our ordeal did not end there. Despite her improving condition, the hospital insisted on keeping her for further observation in the general ward. When I requested discharge in the evening, they declined, insisting on an additional day's stay.
The shock came when we were presented with a bill totaling Rs. 1, 93, 000, justifying it as a complicated surgery and a severe level emergency case. When I questioned the billing department, I was redirected to Dr. Swapnil Gosavi, who displayed a dismissive and rude attitude. He insensitively mentioned the disturbance to his sleep, claiming a thankless job and asserting that such costs were expected at a hospital like Apollo.
I confronted Dr. Swapnil with valid concerns, questioning why she was not placed in the ICU if it was a severe emergency and why the procedure took place at morning. Unfortunately, his responses lacked clarity and were overshadowed by a condescending attitude.
In my attempt to rectify the situation, I approached the billing department, only to be met with conflicting stories. Initially, they claimed no prior communication about a deposit, but later altered their stance, stating that a deposit of Rs. 2, 00, 000 was communicated beforehand without any written and signed estimation.
Feeling cheated and desperate for resolution, I have escalated the matter to the ICMR and consumer forum. I share this experience here not only as a cautionary tale but also to urge everyone to stand against such unethical practices. Let us think beyond money and prioritize ethical medical care over financial gains.
#Apollo #DrSanjayGosavi #ThinkBeyondMoney #PatientRights
