Kolhapur Hospital Faces Major Investigation Over Private Lab Referrals
A significant healthcare scandal has emerged at Kolhapur's Rajarshi Shahu Chhatrapati Government Medical College and CPR Civil Hospital, prompting the formation of a special investigative panel. Dean Sadanand Bhise appointed a four-member committee of senior doctors on Saturday following serious complaints about maternity ward practices.
The Core Allegations and Immediate Action
The investigation was triggered by multiple complaints that on-duty doctors in the maternity ward were systematically directing patients' relatives to private diagnostic laboratories. These private facilities were charging anywhere between Rs 700 and Rs 3,000 for blood tests that should have been available at the hospital's own government pathology lab.
Dean Bhise took decisive action after a preliminary inquiry confirmed that relatives were indeed being sent to private labs despite the hospital having fully functional testing facilities. The panel comprises Professor Pawan Khot as chairman, along with medical superintendent Bhushan Miraje, and associate professors Vidya Patil and Rajendra Madane.
Showcause notices have already been issued to the doctors who were on duty when the complaints were registered. The investigative team has been given a strict deadline of seven days to complete their inquiry and submit a comprehensive report.
Suspicious Patterns and Patient Data Collection
Activist Rupesh Patil revealed disturbing details about how the alleged scheme operated. "Interestingly, the agents or sample collectors sit outside the doctor's cabin and are ready to get the sample, which raises suspicion that the doctors on duty may be getting a cut in the lab test fees," Patil stated.
Even more concerning is the process followed after tests are conducted. "When we sought the reports of the blood tests done by the private labs, the relatives told us that the private labs send the reports directly to the smartphones of the doctors. The relatives do not get the hard copy of the reports," Patil explained, suggesting this method helps conceal the ongoing scam.
Investigators have already collected comprehensive data on 21 affected patients, including their names, contact numbers, addresses, and the exact amounts they were charged for private lab tests.
Hospital Administration's Response and Future Measures
Medical Superintendent Bhushan Miraje addressed the situation, stating, "Currently, the investigation will focus on the complaints given in writing by the relatives or patients." He acknowledged that some specialized tests, such as hormonal tests, might sometimes require external lab support.
However, Miraje promised significant systemic improvements: "We will check with our pathology lab and will ensure the testing kits are available all the time, and no sample is required to be sent to private labs for testing henceforth."
The activist involved in exposing the practice warned that this might not be an isolated incident. "This may be happening in other departments as well," Patil cautioned, suggesting the current investigation might reveal broader systemic issues within the government hospital.
The seven-day investigation timeline puts pressure on the committee to deliver swift justice and implement permanent solutions to prevent such practices from recurring in the future.
