Manipal Cigna Penalised for Enforcing Cardiac Tests During CPR

A decision by the Karnataka Consumer Protection Commission has fined Manipal Cigna, a major health insurer in Udupi District, for imposing unwarranted cardiac tests on patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The fine, disclosed yesterday, follows complaints that the insurer forced patients to undergo a battery of heart‑related diagnostic procedures at the time of emergency care, thereby delaying critical treatment and inflating costs.

According to the commission’s ruling, the insurer’s policy demanded a cardiac stress test and full echocardiographic evaluation even when a patient’s condition required immediate resuscitative measures. The insurer’s representative claimed that these tests were “necessary for a comprehensive health plan,” but the commission found the requirement to be an example of exploitative practice and a violation of the Karnataka Consumer Protection Act. The €5.23 lakh penalty will be levied against the company for such non‑compliant behavior.

Patients and medical professionals in Udupi, along with consumer rights groups, view the ruling as a landmark step against unethical insurance practices. The decision is expected to reinforce stricter regulatory oversight of medical insurance claims and foster trust in healthcare services across Karnataka. Source: Google News – Manipal.