Orlando hospitals waive medical bills for survivors of Pulse nightclub shooting

The injured victims in the Orlando nightclub mass shooting will not have to pay their medical bills after two hospitals announced they will be waiving the fees. The Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) and Florida Hospital said they will write off an estimated $5.5m (£4.2m) worth of expenses for the 53 people who received medical treatment following the shooting at the Pulse nightclub on 12 June which left 49 people dead.

A total of 44 of the injured were treated at ORMC, managed by Orlando Health, none of who will have to pay for their medical bills.

The hospital also announced that the families of the nine people who died after receiving treatment will also not be billed, reported the Orlando Sentinel.

Orlando Health said some bills will be sent to health insurers for patients who had medical coverage, but whatever those policies didn't cover will be wiped off.

Florida Hospital said they will not bill the victims' insurance companies for the treatment nor for any follow-up treatment.

Orlando Health president and CEO David Strong said: "The Pulse shooting was a horrendous tragedy for the victims, their families and our entire community. During this very trying time, many organisations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support. This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward."

Daryl Tol, Florida Hospital's president and CEO added: "It was incredible to see how our community came together in the wake of the senseless Pulse shooting. We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando."

One of the survivors, 34-year-old Mario Lopez, expressed his gratitude for the decision after facing a $20,000 bill for his treatment. He said: "I was so worried because I can't afford any of that. I just went out for a fun night with friends. No one expected this to happen. My life was turned upside down, and then I had to worry about how I was going to pay back the hospital."

Gunman Omar Mateen died in a police shoutout after he attacked the LGBT club on June 12.