Unauthorised diagnostic centres thrive in Anakapalli
Unauthorised diagnostic laboratories and sample collection centres are reportedly operating unchecked across Anakapalli district, allegedly charging patients arbitrary fees for blood and other tests.
Only 91 blood-testing centres in the district have government approval, while the actual number of facilities is estimated to be four to five times that. Many have come up in small shops and container-type structures near government hospitals in Anakapalli, Narsipatnam, Chodavaram and other mandal headquarters.
Several centres operate without the required permissions. Blood, urine and other samples are collected at these outlets and sent to larger laboratories for testing.
Patients are also being charged arbitrary fees at private laboratories that fail to display the prescribed tariff. Operators set test charges at their discretion, in violation of the requirement to prominently display diagnostic fees.
There are allegations that some doctors refer patients from government hospitals to nearby private laboratories for diagnostic tests, with sources claiming that doctors receive commissions of 20% to 40% of the test charges in some cases.
Several collection centres are reportedly operating around NTR Hospital in Anakapalli. Staff collect blood samples based on prescriptions issued by doctors. Concerns have also been raised over inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of qualified personnel at some centres.
Government hospitals offer blood, urine, and sputum tests, as well as other diagnostic tests, free of cost. However, overcrowding and delays in issuing reports often drive patients to private laboratories, where they pay for quicker access to testing and results.
The Health Department has faced criticism over inadequate inspections of private laboratories. Instead of regular field inspections, officials have allegedly been summoning laboratory operators to departmental offices and recording these meetings as inspections.
Earlier, following a directive from Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, the then District Medical and Health Officer, Haimavathi, inspected a blood-testing centre at Addaroad Junction and ordered its closure for operating without the required permission. The centre reopened within a few days.
District Medical and Health Officer Dr. Achyuthakumari said separate permission was not required for sample collection centres and clarified that diagnostic tests should be conducted only at authorised facilities.
She said the department would focus on unauthorised centres and laboratories charging excessive fees and take appropriate action against violations.