Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) issued a legal notice to Tata AIG General Insurance Co. on Sunday for arbitrarily delisting 81 hospitals in the city and publishing their names on their website without providing valid reasons or an opportunity for defense.

In response, AHNA has declared a boycott of Tata AIG General Insurance Co. Consequently, starting July 15, cashless or reimbursement facilities will not be available to any Tata AIG policyholders unless the insurance company revokes the list.

“When AHNA and hospital representatives tried to contact the insurance company officials, they received irresponsible answers. A letter sent by AHNA did not elicit any response from Tata AIG Insurance, prompting the decision to send a legal notice to the company. The list published by Tata AIG has also been adopted by some other private insurance companies, who have similarly delisted these 81 hospitals,” stated AHNA president Dr. Bharat Gadhavi. AHNA vice-president Dr. Viren Shah described the insurer’s action as “against the principle of natural justice.”

AHNA representatives further reported complaints from patients and member hospitals that some insurers are advising patients not to seek treatment in hospitals with fewer than 15 beds. The association plans to take legal action against such firms.