Mumbai: The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC) Mumbai wrote to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) expressing concern over alleged preferential treatment given to actor Saif Ali Khan by an insurance company.
The matter came to light when X user Nikhil Jha shared a letter alleging that the insurance provider sanctioned Rs 25 lakhs for Khan’s treatment at Lilavati Hospital within hours, bypassing standard protocols like requiring an FIR copy in medicolegal cases. Jha further claimed that the final bill of Rs 36 lakhs, covering a four-day stay and surgery, was also approved, questioning the justification for such a high amount and the expedited approval process.
The AMC’s letter, representing over 14,000 medical professionals across Mumbai and other regions, criticized this incident as an example of inequality in healthcare insurance. It highlighted how high-profile individuals and corporate policyholders often receive preferential treatment, with higher cashless limits and faster approvals, while ordinary citizens face inadequate coverage and bureaucratic hurdles.
The AMC emphasized that insurance should safeguard all policyholders equally, irrespective of their social status. They noted that such practices create a two-tier system that undermines the principle of equitable access to healthcare. To address this, the AMC urged the IRDAI to:
1. Investigate the incident involving Saif Ali Khan.
2. Ensure equal treatment for all policyholders.
3. Establish stricter guidelines to prevent preferential treatment.
4. Enhance transparency in cashless treatment approvals to restore public trust.
The AMC also pointed out a broader issue of disparity in payment rates offered by insurance companies. They argued that smaller hospitals and nursing homes often receive lower reimbursement rates compared to large corporate hospitals, despite providing quality care. This disparity, they warned, threatens the sustainability of small healthcare providers, which are crucial for accessible healthcare delivery.
Jha, in his social media post, echoed these concerns, criticising the insurance provider for applying reasonable and customary charges to regular policyholders while extending preferential treatment to a celebrity. He called on the IRDAI to clarify why Niva Bupa allegedly acted differently in this case, making it harder for common citizens to claim insurance benefits.
Saif Ali Khan was stabbed multiple times by a man during a robbery attempt at his house in Mumbai's Bandra on January 16. The actor was then rushed to Lilavati Hospital where he underwent multiple surgeries and was discharged after five days.
