MANGALURU: Union minister D V Sadananda Gowda found himself at the receiving end of the demonetisation effect on Tuesday. A private hospital refused to accept from him old Rs 500 notes worth around Rs 2 lakh, which he had given for the release of the body of his younger brother DV Bhaskar Gowda.
His brother had died in KMC hospital after a brief illness. After completing all the formalities, Gowda was given a bill of around Rs 2 lakh. He arranged for the cash, but the counter clerk refused to accept it. This infuriated his supporters and there was exchange of words between them and hospital staff. Gowda had to intervene to pacify them. He then wrote a cheque for the sum, which was also accepted only after the staff got instructions from their seniors.
The minister said he would complain to the health department against the hospital for not accepting the old demonetised notes. Government had made it clear that old notes should be accepted at hospitals till December 30. Later, Gowda, along with family members and party workers, left with the body to their hometown Mandekolu in Sullia taluk. Gowda could not be contacted for comments.
The private hospital authorities, while confirming the incident, explained why they refused the old notes. Government hospitals are authorised to accept old notes. “The hospital authorities did not accept the old notes as they were briefed to do so in the wake of demonetisation. When the minister wanted us to accept it in writing, we obliged. Finally, the minister gave us cheque, which we accepted,” said Sagir Siddique, a corporate department staff at the multi-speciality hospital.