Taking strict action against the lab for overcharging inRTPCR test, District Administration Jalandhar on Wednesday asked the localpolice authority to register an FIR against the erring lab after a scribeconducts sting operation against such lab.
Giving more details, Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thoristated that as per the complaint received from Journalist of news website TrueScoop, Avneet Kaur and Parinaa Khanna, Gupta Lab at Kamal Hospital, Doaba Chowkcharged Rs. 1500 for RTPCR test; however, the state government has fixed a feeof Rs. 450 for this test. The complainant also submitted copy of receipt offees charged by the lab as evidence, to which DC said that as per preliminaryinquiry conducted by the Assistant Commissioner (Grievance) Randeep Singh Gillthe allegation against the lab was found to be true prima facie.
The DC said that the police authority was asked to lodgean FIR under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code, Epidemic Disease Act andDisaster Management Act.
Notably, Ms Avneet Kaur and Parinaa Khanna have jointlyconducted sting operations at three more labs and a hospital namely – Dr LalPath Lab (Doaba Chowk), Dr Asha Path Lab (Doaba Chowk) and Metropolis Lab, the audio and video evidences of which aresubmitted with Assistant Commissioner (Grievance). They both had visited thelab as a decoy patient and recorded the whole incidents in which they wereasked to pay more than the capped price.
Meanwhile, District Administration Jalandhar throughAssistant Commissioner (Grievance) has issued a show-cause notice to the abovementioned labs and a hospital. Besides, Deputy Commissioner has asked theconcerned authorities to inquire the matter and register an FIR in the case ifallegations turn out to be true.
The DC reiterated his firm commitment to ensuring best ofthe medical services amid this pandemic and urged people to bring such sort ofmalpractices and overcharging in the knowledge of district administrationthrough WhatsApp at 9888981881, 9501799068 with proof so that stern actioncould be initiated against the perpetrators of such heinous crime.
Meanwhile, the DC also lauded the efforts of Journaliststo expose such malpractices and overcharging amid these trying times whilemaintaining that such endeavors not only expose such irregularities but alsopromote transparency in the system.