Despite reserving 20 per cent of its beds for poor and needy persons, a charitable hospital here had treated only four such patients- three in May and another in June- during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, the Bombay High Court has been told. However, it is not clear whether these patients were infected by coronavirus.

The state charity commissioner revealed this detail in an affidavit following a probe into an alleged incident of K J Somaiya Hospital charging Rs 12.5 lakh from some 'poor' patients for COVID-19 treatment. However, the affidavit also stated the petitioners- seven residents of an SRA building in suburban Bandra- have not disclosed their income status, supported by any documentary evidence, which would make them eligible for free treatment. 

The petitioners have sought refund of hospital bills. During the inquiry, the hospital contended the
government resolution (GR) capping the prices for COVID-19 treatment, reserving 20 per cent beds and offering free treatment for the poor, came into effect on April 30 and May 21 respectively, which was after the patients were discharged.