Pulse Nightclub victims won't be billed, Orlando hospitals announce

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 25 (UPI) -- Survivors of the shootings at Orlando's Pulse Nightclub in June will not be billed for medical services, two Florida health care systems announced.

Orlando Health and Florida hospital, which together treated 56 people injured when gunman Omar Mateen opened fire in the night club, killing 49, announced Wednesday that medical fees of about $5.5 million will be waived.

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

Orlando Health's main treatment center, Orlando Regional Medical Center, treated 44 injured patrons of the night club on the night of June 12. Its trauma center is several blocks from the site of the shooting. Nine victims died at the trauma center; their families will not be charged for services. One person remains hospitalized there. Bills will be sent to health insurers for patients with coverage, but any costs not covered by those policies will be absorbed by the hospital, spokeswoman Kena Lewis said.

Similarly, Florida Hospital, which treated 12 survivors and is a part of the Florida Hospital Healthcare system, will not bill for its services, CEO Daryl Tol saying in a statement, "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."