Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Oct 15: Nursing homes and hospital management association urged the public not to believe any false propaganda against any hospital on social media.
Addressing media here on Tuesday, October 15, managing director of Indiana Hospital and member of the association, Dr Yusuf Kumble said, "New mafia of extorting money from doctors and hospitals has emerged, they also target patients who are in distress to make easy money, we urge public against being lured by such mafias. Indiana hospital and heart institute have also filed a complaint with cybercrime police against this nefarious activity.
"I had received an anonymous call through the computer from a person, who was conversing in Malayalam. First, the caller claimed himself as one of the relatives of the patient who wants help. After 15 days, received a call asking for Rs one lac. They threatened to defame me and the hospital on social media if I do not give the money. Soon after that, I noticed defamatory, offensive Whatsapp message about me and Indiana hospital being circulated.
“I urge the public not to believe fake messages about Indiana hospital, which they may come across on social media. Indiana hospital believes in maintaining the highest level of transparency. The quality of our high-end treatments is well known.”
"Even in the name of helping the patients some collect funds and extort money. If anyone wants to help the poor patients in paying their hospital bills, transfer the bill amount to the patient’s bank account or pay it directly to the hospital.”
Umesh Gowda, senior manager, department of Marketing, and Aftab Kola were present.