Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 4: The district of Baramulla is currently witnessing a surge in the establishment of Ultrasound (USG) clinics, with these facilities largely failing to ensure adherence to the set guidelines, especially regarding pricing.
Local residents have voiced their concerns, asserting that USG clinics in the district are setting prices at their discretion, without having the necessary approved rate lists from the relevant authorities. These concerns have led to questions regarding the competence of the individuals responsible for conducting these critical medical tests.
Nazir Ahmad, one of the residents, remarked on the pricing disparities, stating, “There are over 100 such facilities operating within the district and it is certain that all of them are not registered with the authorities. What is concerning, though, is that some testing labs are charging Rs 600, while others are charging less.”
Residents are now seeking answers as to why some labs charge less if there are established rates in place, all the while questioning the vigilance of the authorities, whom they claim have allegedly fallen short in ensuring proper oversight.
“There must be some reason prompting them to charge less. There are also allegations that, without due inspection from the concerned authorities, some labs are employing individuals who lack the necessary qualifications. This raises serious questions about the alertness of the authorities,” expressed the concerned residents.
In response to these concerns, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Malik, Chief Medical Officer of Baramulla, assured the public that they are conducting regular inspections to ensure these labs adhere to the rules and regulations. “It is routine for us to conduct inspections and ensure that these facilities operate in accordance with the rules,” he stated.
Dr. Bhajan Kour, District Health Officer of Baramulla, shed light on the number of operational labs in the district, saying, “As of now, a total of 73 such labs are registered with us. We are closely monitoring their operations and encourage residents to report any violations.”
She also acknowledged the pricing challenges, emphasizing the need for transparency. “There are issues with pricing because there are no established guidelines. Rates are fixed amicably and are adhered to rigorously. In the event that a facility charges less than the set prices, they must display a rate list for clarification,” she explained.
It is to be noted here that the reliance of people on privately-run USG clinics has increased with the growing demand and the inability of Government hospitals in districts to cater to the rush. “In the Government set-up, if we go for a USG, we will have to wait for months, leaving us only with private USG labs,” the residents said.
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