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A public-funded hospital in China has ignited a wave of controversy after billing a patient for the use of a chair while receiving an intravenous infusion. The incident, which came to light on social media at the end of June, has triggered widespread debate and criticism.
A post on social media platform Douyin showcased a billing statement from Ningxia Children’s Hospital, revealing a five yuan charge for the use of a seat. The patient's age and treatment specifics were not disclosed, but the bill indicated that the medication administered contained antibiotics.
An official from the hospital, located in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, clarified that the fee covered two days’ use of a chair by the patient during the infusion process. The hospital defended its actions, stating that the charge complies with official regulations. "Charging this fee is in line with the regulations of the pricing authority. We would definitely not collect fees randomly," the official asserted.
The Ningxia Healthcare Security Administration, which oversees pricing in hospitals, confirmed the legitimacy of the charge. "We have a regulation that hospitals can charge five yuan for using a bed during the infusion process, and half of that for using a chair," an official from the administration explained.
Despite these explanations, the chair fee has sparked heated discussions on social media, with the topic garnering five million views on Douyin alone. One netizen commented, "Hospitals are so commercial. I feel speechless about this fee." Another expressed disbelief, saying, "It's the first time I've heard of this kind of cost in a hospital. Is there anything left that they do not charge fees for?" A third added sarcastically, "Are ordinary people now expected to bring their own chair to see doctors from now on?"
Source: SCMP
