Govt doctor caught referring patients to pvt labs

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 15

A doctor of Government Rajindra Hospital was allegedly caught referring patients to private labs by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent today.

Dr Harshinder Kaur of the Paediatrics Department is known for her work and has been awarded at national and international level.

The malpractice came to the fore when Medical Superintendent (MS) Rajan Singla visited the OPD of the Pediatrics Department at the Mother and Child Health building, which is a part of the hospital.

Sources said the MS had gone to discuss a matter related to the government-run scheme Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) when he got suspicious of two persons who were sitting in the OPD. When questioned, they admitted that they were medical representatives of a private lab.

Meanwhile, when patients, who were being directed to private labs, were enquired about the referral by the MS, they revealed that they were being reportedly referred to a private lab by Dr Harshinder Kaur.

Deputy Medical Superintendent and Principal of Government Medical College, Patiala, Dr KK Aggarwal, reached the spot.

Sources said patients were being referred for basic blood tests which were being conducted at the hospital lab.

The Tribune had highlighted the alleged nexus between doctors and private labs a few months ago, following which Government Rajindra Hospital had started 24x7 labs to curb the unethical practice.

Condemning the unethical practice, the Punjab State Medical and Dental Association (PSMDTA) said doctors should avoid such malpractice.

When contacted, Dr Harshinder said, “The patient had pleaded that he was in a hurry, so I wrote some blood test, but I didn’t refer the patient to a private lab. I am being framed by the authorities. The patients are being pressured to record the statement.”

Meanwhile, MS Rajan Singla said, “We recorded the statements of the patients in front of everyone and they admitted they were being referred to a private lab. I have sent a report to higher officials.” 

Dr KK Aggarwal said, “The incident of a doctor referring patients to private labs has come into my notice. Higher authorities have been informed about the incident.”