Allegations Against Doctors at Kolhapur’s Chhatrapati Pramila Raje Hospital
Accusations of Referring Patients to Private Laboratories
A total of 24 doctors from the Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department of Kolhapur’s State-run Chhatrapati Pramila Raje Hospital have been accused of referring patients’ blood samples to private laboratories for testing. A five-member panel of senior professionals from Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Government Medical College conducted an investigation and discovered that these referrals were made despite the availability of a 24/7 central laboratory on the hospital’s premises.
Details of the Accused Medical Personnel
The list of implicated doctors includes professors, assistant professors, and both senior and junior resident doctors. This situation has raised questions about the ethical practices within the department.
Investigation Triggered by Complaints
According to a recent report by the Times of India, the inquiry was initiated after complaints surfaced regarding widespread “cut practice” among the doctors. It was reported that agents from private laboratories were soliciting patients outside the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD), charging between Rs 2,000 and Rs 7,000 for various tests.
Doctors’ Justifications and Panel Findings
In their written response to the inquiry panel, the accused doctors claimed they referred blood samples to private labs only in emergencies or when specific test kits were unavailable. However, the panel’s investigation revealed that the central laboratory was fully equipped to conduct all necessary tests and operated continuously.
Outcome of the Inquiry
The findings of the panel have been submitted to state health authorities for further action. Dean of the medical college, Sadanand Bhise, stated, “After incidents were brought to our notice, we issued memos to the doctors concerned and warned them against indulging in such activities. Most of the required blood tests are carried out in our central laboratory; there is no need at all to refer patients to private labs.” The state health department has been informed about the panel’s inquiry results, and the decision regarding disciplinary action rests with higher authorities.
Impact on Vulnerable Patients
The panel discovered that 22 pregnant women, primarily from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, were referred to private laboratories. These women typically receive nearly free deliveries, complimentary medications, and lab tests at significantly lower rates than those charged by private facilities. The doctors involved had recommended tests such as complete blood counts, HIV tests, liver function tests, renal function tests, and Hepatitis B surface antigen tests, all of which are available at the in-house central laboratory.
Call for Broader Investigations
Rupesh Patil, an activist who exposed these malpractices, expressed hope that this inquiry would lead to an end to such practices in the department and called for similar investigations across other departments where blood tests are requested. He also anticipates action against the doctors found guilty.