PGI private chemists accused of overcharging, fresh plaints emerge

Private chemist shops operating on the premises of the Post Graduate Institute for Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) are again facing allegations of overcharging patients for medicines.

Fresh complaints have emerged regarding inflated prices, allegedly exceeding the printed Maximum Retail Price (MRP).

The latest controversy centres around a chemist inside PGI’s new OPD complex, who is reported to have sold medicines at rate up to 50% higher than the open market.

Moreover, the PGI Medical Technologists’ Association (MTA) has claimed that some chemists at PGI, despite receiving medicines at 15% to 30% discount, are allegedly selling these at inflated MRP. In one case cited by the association, two surgical items — 3-Way Stop Cocks with Extension Tubes by same manufacturer with identical batch details — were allegedly found labelled with different MRPs: Rs 300 and Rs 450. The association suspects manipulation of MRP printing to overcharge patients, particularly the poor.

The complaint further alleges that the PGI administration charges chemists monthly rent or licence fees amounting to Rs 30-70 lakh, excluding taxes and overheads. The association argues that the hefty licensing costs, coupled with lax oversight, have led to overpricing within PGI.

In response, PGIMER has issued a show-cause notice to the chemist concerned. “We are aware of the situation and will take the strictest possible legal action if any wrongdoing is confirmed,” said an official spokesperson.

A senior official also indicated that an internal inquiry committee could be constituted if the reply to the notice is found unsatisfactory.

The MTA, which brought the issue to light, has demanded probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The association argued that high monthly rent for chemist shop contracts within the institute — reportedly as high as several lakhs — is fuelling this profiteering. “To offset high rent, shop owners manipulate MRP and overcharge patients, especially the poor who come to the PGI for care on subsidised rates,” an MTA member stated.

This is not the first time PGI chemists have faced scrutiny. A shop in the emergency block was previously shut down following reports of adulterated medicines. While the PGI MTA’s letters date back to 2016, the issue appears to have resurfaced, prompting calls for accountability. Patient groups and whistleblowers have welcomed the demand for investigation and urged PGI to enforce greater transparency in medicine procurement and pricing.

The MTA has stressed the need for impartial investigation and a firm action to protect the interests of patients and uphold the integrity of one of the institution.