Taking strict action against the lab for overcharging in RTPCR test, District Administration Jalandhar on Wednesday asked the local police authority to register an FIR against the erring lab after a scribe conducts sting operation against such lab.
Giving more details, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori stated that as per the complaint received from Journalist of news website True Scoop, Avneet Kaur and Parinaa Khanna, Gupta Lab at Kamal Hospital, Doaba Chowk charged Rs. 1500 for RTPCR test; however, the state government has fixed a fee of Rs. 450 for this test. The complainant also submitted copy of receipt of fees charged by the lab as evidence, to which DC said that as per preliminary inquiry conducted by the Assistant Commissioner (Grievance) Randeep Singh Gill the allegation against the lab was found to be true prima facie.
The DC said that the police authority was asked to lodge an FIR under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, Epidemic Disease Act and Disaster Management Act.
Notably, Ms Avneet Kaur and Parinaa Khanna have jointly conducted sting operations at three more labs and a hospital namely – Dr Lal Path Lab (Doaba Chowk), Dr Asha Path Lab (Doaba Chowk) and Metropolis Lab, the audio and video evidences of which are submitted with Assistant Commissioner (Grievance). They both had visited the lab as a decoy patient and recorded the whole incidents in which they were asked to pay more than the capped price.
Meanwhile, District Administration Jalandhar through Assistant Commissioner (Grievance) has issued a show-cause notice to the above mentioned labs and a hospital. Besides, Deputy Commissioner has asked the concerned authorities to inquire the matter and register an FIR in the case if allegations turn out to be true.
Also Read: TrueScoop Sting: Jalandhar’s Kamal Hospital among other pvt labs looting patients for RT-PCR
The DC reiterated his firm commitment to ensuring best of the medical services amid this pandemic and urged people to bring such sort of malpractices and overcharging in the knowledge of district administration through WhatsApp at 9888981881, 9501799068 with proof so that stern action could be initiated against the perpetrators of such heinous crime.
Meanwhile, the DC also lauded the efforts of Journalists to expose such malpractices and overcharging amid these trying times while maintaining that such endeavors not only expose such irregularities but also promote transparency in the system.