Private Hospitals Face Allegations of Overbilling, Unnecessary Tests

Several corporate and private hospitals in the city are facing allegations of excessive billing, unnecessary diagnostic tests, and lack of transparency in pharmacy practices, raising concerns among patients and prompting demands for stricter oversight in the healthcare sector.

Patients allege that high-cost investigations such as CT scans and abdominal scans are being prescribed even when not medically necessary. They also claim that treatment is often initiated only after test reports are obtained, leading to higher costs and delays in care. “In many cases, multiple tests are ordered first, which pushes up expenses and delays the start of treatment,” said a patient attendant.

There are also complaints regarding medicine purchases from hospital pharmacies. Patients say they are asked to buy medicines in bulk, usually for a month, with assurances that the prescribed drugs are not available outside. However, they allege that hospitals sometimes provide only part of the prescription and replace the remaining medicines with generic alternatives.

“There is clear pressure to purchase medicines only from the hospital pharmacy. Even when cheaper options exist outside, patients are discouraged from going there,” said a patient’s relative.

While similar medicines are available at lower prices in external pharmacies and retail chains, allegations suggest that some hospital pharmacies continue to charge the maximum retail price without offering any discount.

Patients have also raised concerns over short consultation times despite paying fees ranging from ₹500 to ₹1,200. Many say consultations last only a few minutes, leaving them without proper clarity on diagnosis or treatment.

“We are not given enough time to explain our condition or understand what is wrong. Consultations feel rushed,” said a patient undergoing treatment at a private clinic.