Now Reading: Chadha flags alleged doctor-lab referral commissions in Rajya Sabha
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Chadha flags alleged doctor-lab referral commissions in Rajya Sabha
Chadha flags alleged doctor-lab referral commissions in Rajya Sabha
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The loudest claims turn every doctor into a profiteer or dismiss the issue as a political attack. Neither follows from one MP’s allegations. Referral payments, if they occur, need evidence, enforcement and due process, while patients should not treat every lab recommendation as proof of wrongdoing. The useful test is simple: how many complaints are investigated, how many suspensions follow, and whether unnecessary test rates fall without denying genuine care.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, ndtvprofit.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
