No check on private labs, hospitals overcharging for dengue test in Ludhiana

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 25

Despite Health Department’s instructions not to charge more than Rs 600 for dengue test, private hospitals and laboratories continue to flout the norms with impunity. Inquiries by The Tribune revealed that despite price capping, there are private labs and hospitals who are charging by their own whims and fancies.

68 new cases in district

• As many 68 new dengue cases were reported in the district on Monday. The count of dengue cases in the district has gone to 827.
• Areas from where cases have been reported are BRS Nagar, Sarabha Nagar, Subhash Nagar, Basti Jodhewal, Mundian Kalan, Gurdev Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Azad Nagar, Barewal Road, Model Town, Shastri Nagar, Jasdev Singh Nagar, Dhandra Road, Shivpuri, Punjab Mata Nagar, Rajguru Nagar, Kundanpuri, Prem Nagar and Aggar Nagar.

On October 18, state Health Minister OP Soni had ordered that the cost of dengue test will be Rs 600 for all hospitals and laboratories, but not giving two hoots to the price capping by the government, some are still charging above the prescribed limit.

Private hospitals and laboratories are charging as high as Rs 1,000-1,500 for dengue test. The Health Department has asked the people to approach them with the receipt and necessary action will be taken against the culprits.

A laboratory attendant from a private hospital located on Ferozepur Road, when asked about the cost of dengue test, said they are charging Rs 900 for the test.

Another private hospital located near Haibowal is charging Rs 1,100 for the test. “We get the test done from outside and that is the reason why we are charging more,” said the person at the counter window.

Gurbaksh Kaur, a city resident said she recently got the test of her husband done and was charged Rs 950 by a private laboratory. Going to the Civil Hospital was not possible as it is far away so she had to shell out extra money at the laboratory.

“Test for dengue is done free of cost at The Civil Hospital. Private laboratories and hospitals cannot charge more than Rs 600 for the dengue test. We have already conducted meeting with the private hospitals and members of the Indian Medical Association. If still anybody is charging more than Rs 600, then person should contact the Health Department with the bill receipt and necessary action will be taken against the violators,” said Civil Surgeon Dr SP Singh.

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