AIIMS-Bhopal Overcharges ₹1.30 Crore A Year In Name Of Medical Tests

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A whopping Rs 1.30 crore has been overcharged in name of various tests in one year at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). HLL Life Care Limited has allegedly overcharged for various tests in comparison to rates fixed by the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS).

AIIMS administration admitted that HLL Lifecare limited overcharged in comparison to CGHS but clarified that the government bears the additional expenses. A complaint was made to AIIMS higher-ups about overcharging in a one year (May 2023-June 2024) only for testing in a single bill.

A complaint was made for probe from AIIMS higher-ups. AIIMS director Dr Ajai Singh informed Free Press, ‘We do not charge from patients as government bears the charges ultimately. The CGHS has fixed rates for testing and various medical services as well as facilities but HLL Health Care Services Limited has been assigned to conduct it. Even in case of overcharging, burden is not on patients.’

Loss to public exchequer Rachna Dhingara of Bhopal Gas Information and Action (BGIA) said, ‘It is loss of public exchequer and directly or indirectly the burden is on patients because of overcharging by HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL). There must be testing at fixed rate by CGHS.’