The Odisha government issued show-cause warnings to four private hospitals for alleged failures in delivering cashless treatment services and for allegations of high invoicing. During Monday's Assembly session, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling provided the information in a written response.
The Minister was responding to a question posed by MLA Arabinda Mohapatra, who requested explanation from the government on allegations of private hospitals denying cashless medical services and overcharging patients. Mahaling acknowledged in his response that action had been taken in response to substantiated complaints.
According to the Minister, Sun Shine Hospital, Apollo Hospital, Manipal Hospital, and IMS & SUM Hospital in Bhubaneswar have been handed show-cause notices for allegedly refusing to provide cashless services despite being compelled to do so.

Additionally, the hospitals have been charged with excessive billing. Mahaling informed the House that the hospitals have been directed to explain why such violations occurred and why disciplinary action should not be imposed against them. He underlined that the state government will take a zero-tolerance stance against carelessness that compromises patient rights.
The Minister went on to say that ongoing surveillance is in place to make sure that such situations don't happen again and that patients enjoy seamless, cost-free medical care.
Addressing concerns raised by the MLA on claims of high billing and unethical pricing practices, the Minister explained that the Odisha government has not received any formal complaints thus far.No comments could be obtained from the appropriate Hospital officials over such allegations.