Investigation Uncovers Racket at SMS Hospital in Jaipur

Sting Operation Reveals Malpractice

A recent sting operation by a local media outlet has uncovered an alleged organized racket operating within the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, the largest government hospital in Rajasthan. The investigation exposed that patients are being charged exorbitant fees for medical tests, including MRI scans, which are officially provided free of charge.

Parallel System Operated by Brokers

The investigation revealed that brokers are running a parallel operation inside SMS Hospital, facilitating MRI scans without the necessity for patients to consult with doctors or even be present physically. These brokers manage various aspects of the process, including generating outpatient department (OPD) slips, arranging for doctors’ prescriptions, and affixing official seals. Despite the tests being free in government hospitals, brokers impose fixed rates for each test.

How the Sting Was Conducted

Reporters from Bhaskar posed as patients to demonstrate the operation of this illicit system. They successfully obtained an MRI scan within just 30 minutes after paying Rs 3,000, all without the required OPD slip or medical consultation. Normally, patients must adhere to specific protocols to receive a free MRI at SMS Hospital, including obtaining an OPD slip, a doctor’s written prescription, and approval from both radiography staff and a nodal officer.

Failure of Oversight and Protocols

The sting operation highlighted a failure to follow these essential checks. Brokers were found generating OPD slips using Aadhaar copies and arranging prescriptions and seals. This malpractice persisted even in the presence of CCTV cameras and monitoring systems designed to oversee operations within the hospital.

Negligence of Hospital Officials

The investigation identified negligence among three key hospital officials, under whose supervision the fraud reportedly continued. Following the revelations, one employee was suspended, while two others are currently under investigation.

Issues at MRI Centres

At SMS Hospital’s MRI Centres No. 60 and 12, two radiographers and one nodal officer are tasked with verifying patient documents, confirming doctor seals, ensuring patient presence, and approving billing before free MRIs are conducted. However, during the sting operation, these protocols were completely bypassed.

During visits on December 10, 11, and 18, reporters observed that the nodal officer’s monitoring chair was vacant for nearly an hour. The absence of both the nodal officer and the two radiographers allowed brokers to obtain OPD slips and prescriptions without patients being present.

Identifying Key Negligent Officials

The investigation pinpointed three officials as negligent: the Superintendent of the radiographer team at MRI Centres No. 60 and 12, responsible for supervising technicians; the radiographer from MRI Centre Room No. 12, tasked with verifying patient documents; and the counter staff at MRI Centre Room No. 60, who verifies Aadhaar and MRI forms. Their absence facilitated the execution of MRI tests without the necessary verifications.

Pricing and Comparison with Private Facilities

The sting operation revealed that brokers have established fixed prices for various tests, including blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. While private hospitals charge between Rs 3,000 and Rs 30,000 for MRIs, brokers at SMS Hospital charge between Rs 3,000 and Rs 8,000 to expedite the process. Even minor tests that should be free are being charged at rates of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

Collaboration with Private Entities

SMS Hospital has partnered with Soni Lab on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, allowing patients to receive free MRIs at Soni Lab, which is compensated for each MRI conducted. Additionally, the Super Speciality Block Hospital (SSB) of SMS Medical College operates its own MRI lab. Despite conducting approximately 250 tests daily at Soni Lab, only 8 to 10 tests are performed at SSB, where patients also experience delays of 2 to 3 days for report availability.

Conclusion

The findings from this sting operation raise serious concerns about the integrity of the services provided at SMS Hospital, highlighting the need for immediate reforms to ensure compliance with established medical protocols and protect patient rights.