‘Ventilator exploitation in private hospitals’: Minister Muraleedharan speaks out, doctors deny allegations

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: “They do not even spare patients after death. They keep them on ventilators and charge bills running into lakhs.” Health Minister K. Muraleedharan’s statement on the alleged practice of continuing ventilator support even after a patient’s death at private hospitals has raised fresh concerns over treatment-related exploitation. The minister said the Health Department had received complaints about the practice.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan had earlier pointed out that some hospitals were allegedly pushing patients into angioplasty in the name of cardiac treatment to increase their revenue. Kerala Kaumudi had recently reported on the alleged practice in private hospitals. The Health Minister’s remarks came soon after the report.

Ventilator support helps many critically ill patients recover and return to normal life after treatment in intensive care units (ICUs). However, complaints have increased that some hospitals allegedly continue ventilator support for days even after a patient suffers brain death or dies, without informing the family, and charge them huge amounts. Some people have even reportedly started telling their family members that they do not want to be put on a ventilator if they are admitted to a hospital, fearing its alleged misuse.

Saves lives, but...

Ventilators are used for patients who are unable to breathe on their own. They are also used when the oxygen level in the body falls. The machine provides oxygen to the patient in a controlled manner. Hospitals charge different rates for ICU treatment, including ventilator support. Some hospitals reportedly charge between Rs 30,000 and Rs 35,000 a day.

“Just as in the case of angioplasty, we cannot agree with baseless statements regarding ventilator use. If there is evidence, let it be investigated. Otherwise, such statements will undermine public trust in the healthcare system.”
- Dr M.N. Menon,
IMA state president

“Some private hospitals keep patients on ventilators for up to two days after death and charge additional amounts. Not all hospitals follow this practice. It is in this situation that the Health Department decided that regulations are needed and is working on a bill.”

- K. Muraleedharan,
Health Minister