Panel finds evidence between doctors & diagnostic centres to fleece patients

The investigative committee was formed after two channel conducted a sting operation on the practice

A high-powered committee constituted by the central government to enquire into the alleged nexus between some hospitals and diagnostic centres to fleece patients has found clear evidence of unethical practices and unfair trade practices by both. 

The Committee also castigated the Medical Council of India (MCI) for failing to terminate the licenses of some medical practitioners who were found indulging in deliberate acts of mischief to fleece patients in connivance with diagnostic centres and clinical test laboratories in the national capital and elsewhere. 

The Committee comprising of four members was set up by former Health Minister Harshvardhan in July this year, after two television channels conducted sting operation in doctors and diagnostic centres in Delhi and elsewhere, wherein they highlighted the nexus between the two to fleece the patients by suggesting unnecessary tests. 

Following the sting, there was an uproar in Parliament, which compelled then Health Minister Harshvardhan to set up a high-powered committee.

Officials said the Committee in its recommendations has suggested effective implementation of the ‘Clinical Establishment Act -2010- across the country, particularly in those  states, where the Act has not yet been implemented. The Committee has also recommended transparency in the payment made for tests by patients in private hospitals and also for fixing a minimum consultancy fees for doctors based on their location of practice. 

The Centre had granted eight weeks time for submission of the report starting from July 22 to the Committee which it duly did. But, thereafter it has not yet been made public or submitted to the Members of Parliament.