The state health department on Wednesday framed rules and specified charges for the storage and transportation of bodies of Covid patients in the wake of reports that several private hospitals were slapping exorbitant fees.

As per a special directive issued on Wednesday, hospitals will have to provide free storage of a Covid patient’s body for four days, after which it could charge day rates fixed by the state health department.

State health secretary Nitin Kulkarni said the directive was issued after the government was informed of recent instances when private hospitals and transport services deployed for Covid dead body management charged exorbitant amounts for transportation. “It is causing distress to patient families. I also amounted to disrespecting the dead,” he said.

According to the directive, the maximum that can be levied for transportation of a body is Rs 500 as a fixed service charge, Rs 700 as cost of driver’s PPE (if family of the deceased isn’t providing a new kit), Rs 200 for vehicle sanitisation.

Also, the fixed charge of Rs 500 is for the first 10km after which Rs 9/km can be charged. The distance calculated will be based on the to-and-for journey, the order said.

“All these charges will come into play in case the family of the deceased is not able to arrange for transportation of the body and is not willing to avail of the government-run Moksha Vahan. The hospital administration will help the family find suitable transport, except emergency ambulances, and charge the specified rates,” Kulkarni said.

He said government-sponsored Moksha Vahan was available in all 24 districts and those in need may contact the district civil surgeon or medical superintendent of the concerned medical college. “Every district is mandated to provide Moksha Vahan for transportation within or outside the district,” said Kulkarni.

Wednesday’s order also makes it mandatory for private hospitals to store a Covid patient’s body free of charges for up to four days from the time of death. “After four days, the hospital may charge Rs 500/day till the time the family arranges for transportation of the body,” Kulkarni said.

And in case of an unclaimed body, Kulkarni said it was the district administration’s responsibility to cremate it as per Covid-19 guidelines within 24 hours.