AMC questions IRDAI over preferential treatment in Saif Ali Khan’s insurance case
Mumbai: The Association of Medical Consultants (AMC), Mumbai, has written to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) regarding alleged preferential treatment extended to actor Saif Ali Khan by an insurance provider.
The issue surfaced after a social media user, Nikhil Jha, shared a letter alleging that the insurance company approved ₹25 lakh for Khan’s treatment at Lilavati Hospital within hours, bypassing standard protocols, such as requiring an FIR copy in medicolegal cases. Jha further claimed that the final bill of ₹36 lakh, covering a four-day hospital stay and surgery, was approved swiftly.
The AMC, representing over 14,000 medical professionals across Mumbai and nearby regions, criticised the incident as a glaring example of inequality in healthcare insurance. They highlighted that high-profile individuals and corporate policyholders often benefit from higher cashless limits and faster approvals, while ordinary citizens face bureaucratic challenges and inadequate coverage.
In its letter, the AMC called for IRDAI to:
1. Investigate the Saif Ali Khan incident.
2. Ensure equal treatment for all policyholders.
3. Establish stricter guidelines to prevent preferential treatment.
4. Increase transparency in cashless treatment approvals to rebuild public trust.
The AMC also raised concerns over the disparity in reimbursement rates offered by insurance companies, noting that smaller hospitals and nursing homes are often paid less than large corporate hospitals, jeopardising the sustainability of smaller healthcare providers.
Jha echoed these concerns on social media, accusing the insurer of applying stricter rules for ordinary citizens while offering preferential treatment to celebrities. He urged the IRDAI to clarify why Niva Bupa allegedly handled this case differently.
Saif Ali Khan was hospitalised at Lilavati Hospital following multiple stab injuries during a robbery at his Bandra residence on January 16. He underwent surgery and was discharged after five days.
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Mangaluru: Fire in godown near Jeppinamogaru on Sunday night; old furniture, used items gutted
Mangaluru: A fire broke out in a godown beside the National Highway 66 near Jeppinamogaru Yekkuru at around 11:30 pm on Sunday, causing significant damage to the godown and nearby houses.
The godown, owned by Sadashiva Shetty, contained various used items, including second-hand furniture, many of which were gutted in the fire. The building next door also sustained slight damage in the incident.
Fire brigade personnel from Pandeshwar, Kadri, Bantwal, and Mangalore Chemicals and Fertilizers (MCF) rushed to the spot. The firefighting operation, which began late at night, continued until 5 am on Monday, according to sources.
