PUNE: In a classic case of how it is necessary to read the fine print before applying for travel health insurance, an Indian farmer who suffered cardiac illness has been left to his fate at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Israel, after the insurance company denied settling his health insurance. Moreover, both the travel company and the Agriculture Department that had initiated this study tour to Israel have shrugged off from their responsibility in this matter.
Gajanan Wankhede, who hails from a village in Khandala, Telhara region in Akola district with 53 others including two officers from the Agriculture Department were on a study tour to Israel from February 22 to February 28. The city-based Lifeline Tours and Travel Company that has won a two-year contract to conduct a farmers’ study tour to Israel, had organised this tour.
According to Nitin Lokhande, a farmer who was on this study tour, said that Wankhede who was initially healthy complained about restlessness in the last leg of his air travel. As Wankhede continued to complain about restlessness after moving to a hotel in Jerusalem, Jeevan Hendre of travel company and the officers from the Agriculture Department admitted him to Shaare Zedek Medical Center. As the insurance company assured Wankhede of the cashless facility under the travel health insurance, he underwent angioplasty as advised by the doctors. However, when this hospital sent the medical bill to the insurance company, it flatly denied taking care of it. The company refuted the farmer’s claim by stating that the latter had not disclosed his pre-medical condition i.e. diabetes.
Due to an unpaid bill of Rs 12 lakh, the said hospital has refused to discharge Wankhede. Due to this standoff, the family members of this farmer and other participants are worried about his safe return. Meanwhile, the visas of Wankhede and other person accompanying him have been extended till March 3.
Nitin Lokhande who accompanied Wankhede has met several agriculture department officials seeking help in this matter. Union Minister Hansraj Ahir, Madan Yerawar, Minister of State for Agriculture Sadabhau Khot have been appraised about this case. Meanwhile, the hospital authorities have agreed to discharge Wankhede if an assurance letter is submitted to them.
