Hospital Refusing Emergency Treatment
A hospital is denying treatment to a patient in an emergency
Do this now
- 01Clearly state: 'This is a medical emergency — you are legally required to stabilize the patient'
- 02No hospital — public or private — can refuse emergency treatment. This is a Supreme Court mandate
- 03Call 112 if the hospital still refuses — police can compel them to provide treatment
- 04Ask to speak to the hospital's Medical Superintendent or Duty Doctor
- 05Take photos/videos of the refusal and note names of staff who refused treatment
- 06File a complaint with the State Medical Council against the hospital
- 07File a complaint at the District Health Authority and National Consumer Helpline (1915)
Do NOT do this
- Do NOT leave the hospital without getting emergency stabilization for the patient
- Do NOT accept 'no beds available' as a reason to deny emergency stabilization
- Do NOT sign any consent form under duress — read it first or have someone read it for you
- Do NOT lose the refusal evidence — you will need it for the complaint
Legal information, not legal advice. For your own case, consult a qualified advocate.