# Chadha flags alleged doctor-lab referral commissions in Rajya Sabha

2026-08-06T14:30:16+00:00 | Health & Science | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

BJP MP Raghav Chadha alleged in Rajya Sabha that some doctors and diagnostic laboratories operate a referral commission system that can raise patients’ bills by 15% to 20% in certain cases. He said laboratories describe the payment as a marketing expense, while doctors call it referral commission. Chadha alleged that commissions are linked to procedure costs and that some laboratories send doctors on foreign trips. He said the practice can encourage unnecessary tests and over-referrals, particularly in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Chadha cited the Medical Council of India’s 2002 ban on fee splitting and the National Medical Commission’s 2023 prohibition of referral commissions, which allows suspension of up to three months. He advised patients to be wary of enforced lab choices and promotional material in clinics.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/marketing-expense-referral-commission-raghav-chadha-raises-lab-doctor-nexus-issue-over-medical-tests-in-parliament-101786013426201.html>
- ndtvprofit.com <https://www.ndtvprofit.com/india/inflates-medical-bills-by-15-20-percent-raghav-chadha-raises-doctor-lab-nexus-in-parliament-11876563>

Tags: medical tests, pathology labs, Raghav Chadha, Rajya Sabha, referral commissions
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