Private medical centres, labs continue to fleece patients

JAMMU: The tall claims of the government of providing better health facilities at the doorsteps of people exist only on papers as poor patients continue to depend on private medical centres, clinics and laboratories even for conducting simple tests by paying exorbitant charges.

Patients wait for their turn outside a private clinical laboratory in Jammu. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 9

The tall claims of the government of providing better health facilities at the doorsteps of people exist only on papers as poor patients continue to depend on private medical centres, clinics and laboratories even for conducting simple tests by paying exorbitant charges.

A heavy rush of patients mostly from far-flung areas can be seen at these private medical centres near government hospitals in different localities in the winter capital. “There is no care for poor patients like us in the government-run hospitals, which are generally overcrowded. The tests like CT Scan, MRI, ECG, etc, which are very much available at public sector hospitals have to be done at private medical centres and that too at a high price. They are charging at will and there no procedure put in place to keep a check on overcharging,” Zahoor Ahmad, a resident of Rajouri district, said.

“I came at GMC, Jammu, for treatment of my daughter suffering from brain problem. We were informed that the scan facility is available at the hospital, but unfortunately it cannot be done because there are already too many patients waiting for the same and I do not have much time to wait for. Eventually, I have no option, but to go for scan in a private clinic at exorbitant charges,” said Rakesh, a resident of Pouni (Reasi district).

The rate list for different tests can be seen just at the entrance of these private medical centres, and clinics, which continue to fleece the poor patients. Even the cost of simple tests starts from Rs 1,500. Interestingly, the charges of tests vary as every medical centre, clinic or laboratory has prepared its own rate list.

When contacted, Dr Baljeet Pathania, Director, Health Services, Jammu, said the rate list approved by the department was challenged by the owners of private medical centres, clinics and laboratories in the court.

“We had approved the rate list for private clinics for conducting various tests, but they did not accept it and went to the court,” he said. When asked about how much time it will take to sort out this important issue of fleecing poor patients, the Director, Health Services, said, “We are already on the job, but not sure about how much time it will take.”