Medan Covid-19 Patients Billed Rp456 Million, Had Entered ICU

Medan, CNN Indonesia —

Family Covid-19 patient complained about the large maintenance bill at Columbia Asia Hospital Medan, North Sumatra. After 22 days of treatment, the patient was billed Rp456 million.

Penggeng L Harahap, uncle of patient Anjelina Siregar, said his nephew was admitted to Columbia Asia Hospital on July 27. At that time, the patient’s condition was critical and he was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

“He was tested positive for Covid-19. The hospital gave the option to choose medical payments. The family chose to pay independently. The patient’s condition was also severe and after being treated he died,” Panggeng said, Thursday (2/9).

Later the family received a payment bill of Rp. 456 million while the patient was undergoing treatment. After the family questioned the bill, the bill changed.

“Initially, everything was Rp. 448 million. After going up in the news and reporting it to the (Medan Health Service) office, some were claimed to the state (Kemenkes) and some were paid personally. So, what the state claimed was Rp. 368,670,725 and Rp. 87,277 for the family. .818,” he said.

Then, he added, the family tried to go to the hospital to discuss the funds borne by the family. However, the hospital management asked the patient’s husband to come to the hospital.

“We came with good intentions. We tried to negotiate again with the hospital regarding the Rp87 million fund. However, we were not well received. Even though I was authorized by the patient’s husband for this issue, but the hospital did not want to,” he said.

Separately, the General Manager of Columbia Asia Hospital, Dr. Deny Hidayat, explained that the patient was admitted to Columbia Asia Hospital on July 26, 2021, and was referred from North Padanglawas. Because his condition was critical, the patient had to be admitted to the ICU. On August 19, the patient died with a total cost of treatment of IDR 456 million.

“When the patient comes to the hospital, the patient’s family is willing to pay the cost of treatment personally. In addition, the patient’s family also provides a deposit (security deposit) of Rp. 166 million,” Deny said when giving a press statement.