Medical Association Flags Inequality in Insurance Processing, Demands Transparency
January 27, 2025: The Mumbai-based Association of Medical Consultants has raised concerns over actor Saif Ali Khan’s mediclaim approval, citing it as an example of alleged preferential treatment. The organisation has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), questioning the disparity between celebrity cases and common policyholders.
Also Read: CCTV Footage is Not of My Son: Father of Saif Ali Khan’s Alleged Attacker Speaks Out
Details of Saif Ali Khan’s Case
On January 16, Saif Ali Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital after sustaining six stab wounds during a burglary at his Mumbai home. His mediclaim request for Rs 36 lakh for a five-day stay was partially approved, with Rs 25 lakh cleared in the first round. The insurer, Niva Bupa, stated that further claims would follow guidelines.
The Association’s Concerns
Representing over 14,000 medical practitioners, the Association of Medical Consultants highlighted this case as indicative of broader systemic inequalities. “While ordinary citizens often face limited coverage, celebrities and high-profile individuals with corporate policies seem to receive higher cashless treatment limits,” read the statement.
Also Read: Saif Ali Khan Attack: Fingerprint Don’t Match- Mystery Deepens
They called for an investigation into the matter and demanded transparent guidelines ensuring equal treatment for all policyholders, regardless of status. “Insurance should serve as a safeguard for everyone. Creating a two-tier system based on celebrity status is discriminatory,” the organisation added.
Impact of the Incident
Saif Ali Khan underwent emergency surgery for his injuries, including a near-fatal wound that missed his spinal cord by just 2 mm. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home with a week of prescribed bed rest.
Tags:
Saif Ali Khan, Mediclaim controversy, IRDAI, Niva Bupa, celebrity insurance, healthcare equality, Mumbai news, medical transparency, Lilavati Hospital, Saif stabbing case