School Of Excellence For Eye: OPD Charges Hiked From ₹10 To ₹105; Over 1000% Hike Forces Poor Patients To Forgo Essential Treatment

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Putting an extra burden on poor patients, the School of Excellence for Eye, affiliated with MGM Medical College, has started charging Ayushman cardholders Rs 105 for OPD charges, while earlier it was only Rs 10. The hike in charges, which comes to more than 1000%, has compelled many poor patients to forgo essential treatment.

Under the revised system, Rs 105 is being charged, comprising Rs 10 for the OPD slip and Rs 95 for two mandatory tests—auto-refraction (Rs 37) and non-contact tonometry (Rs 58). These tests are conducted before any consultation with a doctor, raising concerns about their necessity for every patient.

The patients always question why such tests are not optional, as is the practice in other government hospitals like MYH, which still charge only Rs 10 for OPD services. Earlier, Ayushman cardholders benefited from subsidized or free services since the OPD’s inception in March 2022.

However, this sudden policy shift has left patients perplexed and disappointed. Sources said that MGM Medical College authorities are also unaware of the new fee structure.  

Meanwhile, hospital superintendent Dr DK Sharma said operations such as cataract and glaucoma surgeries and others are free for the Ayushman patients in the hospital.

“OPD charges are still Rs 10 and remaining charges are for the two important tests required before or after consultation as advised by the consultant. These diagnostic charges are not free for Ayushman patients, so we are charging them, Dr Sharma added.