Pvt diagnostic labs thrive in Solan amid lack of regulation

Private diagnostic labs in Solan are flourishing as patients are being subjected to unnecessary tests without oversight. With the state-run Regional Hospital struggling with space and staff constraints, many patients have no choice but to seek private healthcare, where unethical practices are rampant.

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The Regional Hospital, which sees nearly 1,800 patients daily, is overwhelmed, forcing people to turn to private medical practitioners. Surrounding the hospital is a dense network of private diagnostic labs, some run by doctors themselves, while others work in coordination with specific labs, ensuring a steady stream of patients.

A striking example is that of a 17-year-old who visited a private hospital with a sore throat and mild fever. Without any physical examination, he was advised a long list of tests, including a complete blood count, serology, liver function test, blood sugar, typhoid antibody test and urine test, costing him nearly Rs 1,000. When none of the test reports showed any concerning results, he consulted a doctor at the Regional Hospital, who simply diagnosed him with a throat infection and prescribed basic medicines. Within a day, his condition improved, leaving him questioning why private doctors are allowed to exploit patients unchecked.

This is not an isolated incident. Even some government hospital doctors prescribe excessive tests and specific branded medicines, raising concerns about unethical practices in both public and private healthcare.

With no state policy to monitor private medical practitioners, their businesses continue to expand. Solan has become a healthcare hub, attracting patients from neighboring areas like Sirmaur and Shimla. The Mall Road, stretching from Saproon to the Regional Hospital, is lined with private hospitals and diagnostic labs. Many of these establishments are registered under the Himcare scheme introduced by the former BJP government, highlighting their influence across successive administrations.

The state government’s failure to establish a specialty hospital at Kather within a set timeframe has further worsened the situation. Without adequate staff and diagnostic facilities in public hospitals, common people are left at the mercy of private healthcare providers, some of whom exploit their desperation for profit. Until stricter regulations are implemented, patients will continue to bear the brunt of these unchecked medical malpractices.