Bargi Dam cruise accident: Hospital licence suspended over billing row

After the Bargi Dam cruise accident in Jabalpur, authorities suspend Noble Hospital’s licence for charging injured patients; probe underway

In the aftermath of the Bargi Dam cruise accident, the district administration in Jabalpur has taken action against a private healthcare facility accused of charging injured victims for treatment, even as questions persist over selective enforcement.

The licence of Noble Multispeciality Hospital has been suspended for one month after complaints surfaced that it billed patients injured in the accident. Officials confirmed that the move follows a preliminary inquiry into alleged violations during emergency care.

Action after complaints

According to health department officials, the decision was taken late Monday after directives from the divisional commissioner. The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) has also issued a show-cause notice to the hospital management, seeking a response within seven days.

Authorities said charging patients during a disaster situation could amount to a violation of provisions under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. “Such conduct will not be tolerated during emergencies,” a senior official said, adding that a detailed probe is ongoing.

The hospital has been instructed to continue treatment for currently admitted patients but barred from admitting new ones for a month.

Victims recount ordeal

Among those affected was a family from Nepal, who had travelled to Jabalpur as tourists. Family members said they reached the hospital after narrowly escaping the capsized cruise, only to be handed a bill shortly after receiving first aid.

The victim, identified as Saraswati, said the family’s belongings — including cash — were soaked in the incident. Despite explaining their situation and the lack of Indian currency, hospital staff allegedly insisted on payment.

Relatives eventually arranged ₹4,500 through a contact in Varanasi before the patient was discharged. “We kept explaining our situation, but they kept increasing the amount,” a family member said.

Another hospital under lens

Separate complaints have also emerged against a second facility, Jabalpur Hospital, where patients claim they were charged for treatment following the accident.

One of the injured, Rahul Anand, said he took his son to the hospital soon after the incident. While treatment was provided, he later learned that around ₹1,800 had been charged for dressing wounds and medicines.

Officials, however, have not yet announced punitive action against this hospital, prompting questions from victims’ families.

Refund and apology issued

In the case of Noble Hospital, the management has since returned the amount collected from the Nepal-based family. Hospital director Dr Satish Patel also issued a written apology, stating that the charges were collected due to a lapse by staff and without his knowledge.

The letter described the incident as “regrettable” and clarified that the hospital did not intend to profit from a disaster situation.

Safety lapses alleged

Meanwhile, survivors of the cruise accident have raised serious concerns about safety protocols on board. Passengers alleged that nearly 40 people were on the vessel, but life jackets were not distributed before departure.

Several survivors said jackets were stored in sealed compartments and were only mentioned when the boat began to tilt. Some also claimed that the चालक (operator) fled the scene along with crew members during the emergency.

Initial reports indicate that weather conditions had worsened in the area, with an orange alert in place at the time.

Probe and next steps

The district administration has launched a multi-departmental inquiry into both the accident and the subsequent handling of injured passengers. Officials said accountability will be fixed not only for medical negligence but also for safety violations related to the cruise operation.

For now, the focus remains on completing the investigation and ensuring compliance with emergency response norms. The Bargi Dam cruise accident has brought both disaster preparedness and private healthcare conduct under scrutiny — issues the administration says will be addressed in the coming days.