A recent Maharashtra FDA investigation revealed how private hospitals fleece the common man in the name of treatment. Learn how the common man can avoid this exploitation.
How does looting happen in treatment?
People typically believe they are paying only for hospital bills and medications. However, the truth is quite different. A recent investigation by the Maharashtra Drug and Food Administration exposed the misdeeds of hospitals. This investigation revealed how private hospitals charge people unnecessarily. While patients and their families monitor the doctor's fees, room rent, and medication costs during hospital treatment, many medical consumables are added to the bill separately, and the patient is unaware of their actual purchase price.
FDA investigation revealed
A recent investigation in Maharashtra revealed a similar discrepancy. A survey by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found a difference of up to 2,841 percent between the purchase price and the printed MRP of consumables such as syringes, needles, and IV cannulae used in some hospitals.
IV set of 11 costs Rs 325
According to Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, the survey found an IV infusion set with a trade price of approximately ₹11.05, but with an MRP of ₹325. Similarly, a syringe purchased for approximately ₹6.75 had an MRP of ₹57.20, and a catheter purchased for approximately ₹29.41 had an MRP of ₹310.
How does the cost of a hospital bill increase?
Items like IV sets, syringes, catheters, and nebulizers are commonly used during treatment. While patients are informed of their usage and how much, the patient's family is typically unaware of the hospital's purchase price. A Maharashtra FDA survey revealed discrepancies ranging from 150 percent to over 2,800 percent between the hospital's MRP and the hospital's purchase price. The FDA Commissioner questioned who benefits from the discrepancy if a hospital is receiving a product at a very low price, while its MRP is many times higher.
How to check the bill
There are some simple steps you can take during treatment. First, ask the hospital for an itemized bill and see which consumables are listed, in what quantity, and at what price. It's best to check the MRP listed on the package or bill. If you notice an unusual price difference, ask the hospital billing desk for the reason.
Patients should also ask why an expensive consumable is being used. The Maharashtra FDA has submitted its report to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and demanded an investigation into the discrepancy between the purchase price and the MRP. The central government has also requested a report from the NPPA on this matter.
