Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 31: The CT scan machine being run on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode at Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu was sealed today for overcharging patients.
According to official sources, taking cognizance of several complaints regarding overcharging patients coming for CT scan at PPP mode run City scan machine in GMC Jammu by co-owner M/s Krsna Diagnostic Private Limited, the Principal, GMC Jammu, Dr Zahid Geelani, today ordered immediate sealing of premises occupied by M/s Krsna Diagnostic Private Limited, where the PPP Mode CT machine was installed.
Sources said on August 18 this year, GMC Principal had constituted a committee headed by Administrator, GMCH Jammu and Associated Hospitals, Babita Rakwal, to enquire into the allegations of overcharging of patients by M/s Krsna Diagnostics Private Limited.
The committee in its inquiry found that the concerned Firm was charging even patients of blast and bullet injury, road accidents, BPL patients and unknown/unconscious patients for CT Scan while they should do it free of cost under rules. Moreover, the firm was charging a fee of Rs 6000 for a CT Scan while the Government rate is Rs 2000.
Apart from it, the committee found that there was no Government approval in providing tender to the Firm, as the then Secretary, Health and Medical Education was bypassed while giving contract to the Firm.
Sources said that acting as per the findings of the inquiry committee, GMC Principal ordered immediate sealing of premises used by the Firm to run PPP mode CT scan machine and directed Chief Accounts Officer, GMC Jammu and Accounts Officer, Associated Hospitals, to impose penalty on the Firm for overcharging patients.
The order issued by GMC Principal reads: Letter of intent issued in favour of M/s Krsna Diagnostics Pvt Ltd under reference No GMC/PS/misc/3806 dated 18-12-2013 issued by the then Principal, is hereby cancelled with immediate effect and Medical Superintendent, GMC Jammu shall immediately seize the premises presently occupied by M/s Krsna Diagnostics Private Limited till all its dues are cleared.
“The agreement executed between M/s Krsna Diagnostics Pvt Ltd and EOI committee is hereby declared as null and void and hence cancelled”, the order further reads and added that Chief Accounts Officer, GMC Jammu and Accounts Officer, Associated Hospitals, Jammu shall impose penalty on account of overcharging patients in violation of Govt Order No 720 HME of 2002 dated 8-7-2002.
“The case is also referred to administrative department for taking appropriate action in the matter for furnishing wrong information regarding three EOIs to fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria for the process of CT scan”, the order further reads.
As per the order issued by the GMC Principal, Medical Superintendent, GMC Jammu, Dr Ramesh Gupta with the help of police seized the premises used to run PPP mode CT scan machine of M/s Krsna Diagnostics Private Limited, this evening.
When contacted, GMC Principal confirmed that the premises being used to run PPP mode CT scan machine in Medical College Jammu has been seized for violations of rules after he issued an order in this regard.
On a question, he said that no patient will suffer with the sealing of the premises, as the hospital is already running a Government owned CT scan machine and a proposal is ready to purchase another machine soon.
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