Mother held captive by hospital, 7-year-old begs on street to clear medical bills

The hospital refused to release the mother, who gave birth to a stillborn child, till the bills were cleared

Representational image (File photo)

PATNA: A seven-year-old child was found begging on the streets, asking for help to clear his mother's medical bills, who was allegedly being held “captive” by hospital authorities.

Thirty-one-year-old Lalita Devi reportedly gave birth to a stillborn child last week, following which the hospital handed over a bill of Rs 70,000 to her family. The hospital refused to release the woman till the dues were paid.

"The woman, who had developed some medical complications, was admitted to Maa Sheetla Emergency Hospital Private Limited on November 14, through an agent. Initially, her family was asked to cough up Rs 1.5 lakh, but later, the treatment cost was reduced to Rs 70,000. The agent, however, told Devi's husband Nirdhan Ram that he had to pay only Rs 25,000, which he deposited," the local police told DNA.

Unable to rack up the remaining amount, woman's seven-year-old son took to the streets to beg in order to help his father pay the bill.

"After the stillborn delivery, the doctors refused to cut the stitches and discharge Devi till the due amount is deposited. Her husband could manage some amount from his relatives, but for the remainder, their son took to begging," added the police.

While begging on streets, the child was spotted by local media.

Later, Madhepura MP Pappu Yadav intervened in the matter and later rescued the mother. An FIR was also lodged against the hospital administration.

The lawmaker further asked the hospital Rs 10,000 to Devi and dropped her home in an ambulance.