AIR INDIA LTD Vs. L M KHOSLA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) -THE short issue to be decided in this matter is whether Air India can further restrict reimbursement of medical expenditure incurred by its ex-employee when the latter himself had persuaded the nursing home to substantially reduce the medical bill.

(2.) FACTUAL matrix of the case in brief is that Sh. Lalit M. Khosla, who retired as Commercial Manager from Air India in 1990 had undergone emergency operation at Aashlok Hospital, New Delhi for removal of infected gall bladder. Though the complainant was billed for a sum of Rs. 1,29,963, in view of the personal relationship with the Director of the hospital, the bill was drastically reduced to Rs. 59,967. Complainant had also spent a sum of Rs. 1,714 towards medicines, surgeon fees, etc. As Air India reimbursed only a sum of Rs. 27,528, the complainant filed a complaint praying for direction to Air India to pay him the balance sum of Rs. 34,163.

(3.) AIR India contested the complainant's case and submitted that as per the rules of Medical Benefits Scheme the complainant was entitled to reimbursement of an amount of Rs. 6,000 towards surgeon's fee along with 33% of surgeon's fee as operation theatre charges and 45% of the surgeon's fee towards anaesthesia charges along with actual cost of drugs administered to him. Therefore, the complainant was reimbursed a sum of Rs. 27,528 to which he was entitled.