Pune organisations call for support to Covid widows struggling with ‘inflated’ medical bills, debt

On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the Corona Ekal Mahila Punarvasan Samiti and Jan Arogya Abhiyan have announced support to 462 Covid-19 widows and families, who are awaiting news from the Maharashtra government on their complaints of overcharging during Covid-19 treatment.

Timely action on these complaints will be a boost for their human rights, the organisations said, adding that the complainants were struggling with losses, high hospital bills and debt.

During a meeting held by the state health minister with officials from the department and civil society networks on October 12, it was decided that complaints of overcharging during Covid treatment could be submitted to the department, and within one month, audits would be conducted followed by recovery of excess charges in deserving cases.