JOIN USTaking advantage of long queues for diagnostic services and delayed reports at the Delhi government-run hospitals, patients are being fooled to pay more for blood tests by a gang of people, according to complaints from patients’ families.
The G B Pant Hospital administration recently received complaints from patients on such rackets being run on the hospital premises. The administration has written to police to register an FIR in the case and take against the gang operating on the premises.
“We received complaints on patients being charged Rs 700 for blood tests which are already available at the hospital. There are lists on display for the blood tests available at the hospital and to not pay for such services,” said Dr S P Jayant, Medical Superintendent, G B Pant Hospital.
The administration has not ruled out the involvement of insiders in the gang operating here. The racket is being openly run with members promising “speedy” test reports to patients, according to a complaint.
“The members are operating outside the operation theatre. They are promising reports in lesser time than the hospital. Patients’ family members are worried before complex operations and often end up going for these services. These members are charging Rs 700 for regular blood tests,” said a family member of a senior citizen who underwent a cardiac procedure recently.
“Senior doctors are aware of the rackets being run. We have complained to the authorities and also on the anti-corruption helpline,” he added. The hospital administration expressed helplessness on tackling the situation. It is difficult to monitor people who are offering such services discreetly to patients’ family members, said doctors.