Fake medical report racket in Uttar Pradesh: healthy patients declared seriously ill
CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies:
A case of alleged fraud against patients has surfaced in Uttar Pradesh involving a suspected nexus between some pathology labs and doctors. It is alleged that normal test reports are being altered to show healthy patients as suffering from dengue, serious infections and kidney disease. After this, large sums are allegedly being collected in the name of hospital admission and prolonged treatment. The entire matter has come to light through an undercover investigation.
During the investigation, four pathology labs in Lucknow were approached. Reporters contacted lab operators posing as sample collection agents and offered to change reports according to doctors’ demands. It is alleged that some operators agreed to alter test figures in exchange for commission.
Normal creatinine shown as 8.1
In the investigation, one lab recorded a reporter’s blood sample creatinine reading at 0.85 milligrams, while another lab allegedly showed it as 8.1 in the same person’s report. Cases also emerged in which normal platelets were shown as low and TLC levels linked to infection were altered. In another report, platelets were recorded at 1.10 lakh instead of 1.74 lakh.
Talks on commission and getting patients admitted
During the sting, it is claimed that conversations with some lab operators were recorded regarding the sharing of commission and the supply of regular samples. Some conversations also brought out references to shifting patients from medical colleges to private hospitals and receiving money in return. It is alleged that the network’s purpose is to earn money through unnecessary admission and treatment by frightening patients with the prospect of serious illness.
The disclosure has raised serious questions over the pathology testing system in the state and patient safety. If the allegations are confirmed, it would amount to a major compromise with patients’ health and financial security. Attention will now be on the inquiry by the concerned health authorities and action against those found guilty.
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