TV
Serious allegations have been levelled against a contract firm engaged in Balasore district headquarters hospital (DHH) that excessive and unnecessary blood tests are being carried out leading to the misappropriation of government funds, sources said on Tuesday.
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Patients have accused the hospital’s contractors of conducting excessive tests not medically required, presumably in a bid to inflate costs while falsely promoting the tests as free for the public. Exorbitant bills are raised and funds of the DHH are embezzled.
However, a growing number of complaints suggest that beyond the prescribed diagnostics, patients are being subjected to additional and unwarranted blood tests. This has led to mounting frustration and indignation among patients and their relatives, who perceive these actions as exploitative.
Balasore Sub-Collector orders for probe
Balasore Sub-Collector has confirmed that an investigation is being conducted assuring that corrective measures will follow if the accusations prove accurate. The hospital, which not only serves locals but draws a considerable number of patients from adjoining regions, is supposed to offer complimentary medical consultations and blood tests.
Show-cause notices to be served soon
In response to these allegations, a show-cause notice has been issued to the private firm responsible for the testing operations. Correspondingly, the district hospital management has been formally notified of these concerns. Despite these actions, there has been no communication from the implicated parties so far.
Outcome of the ongoing probe, as highlighted by the Sub-Collector, will ultimately determine the veracity of these claims.
“There are some documents including the grievances and petitions that malpractices are allegedly being done in the pathological lab. We are sending a letter today to the CDMO concerned instructing to carry out a detailed probe into the accusations,” Balasore Sub-Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke said to OTV.
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“Show-cause notices will be served to those who are prescribing the blood tests and also to those who are conducting the tests. Strong actions will subsequently be taken against the wrongdoers if any discrepancies would be found,” the Sub-Collector asserted.
Reported By: Chandrakanta Jena
