Chandigarh: Despite a year passing since the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) announced its decision to upload the rates of medicines supplied by Amrit (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) on its website to prevent overcharging, the initiative remains incomplete. Sources indicate that the PGI administration is still in the process of implementing this crucial transparency measure, even as complaints of Amrit stores overcharging patients compared to the open market continue to surface.PGI boasts the largest network of Amrit stores in the country, with nine outlets operating within its premises. A significant point of contention arises from the allocation of a prime retail space at the PGI emergency. This space, which previously commanded a monthly rental of Rs 2 crore, was reportedly shut down and re-allotted to Amrit two years ago at a significantly reduced rental of not more than Rs 1 lakh per month.A faculty member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “The rental to Amrit is not more than Rs 1 lakh per month. Consequently, the drug prices should be the lowest, or any profit generated by these stores should benefit PGI and the patients.” The absence of real-time drug rates displayed publicly has seemingly created an environment where several drug stores within the hospital are allegedly taking advantage of the high patient footfall, leading to instances of overcharging. “Patients, often in vulnerable situations, are left without a clear reference point for fair pricing, making them susceptible to inflated costs.The delay in uploading the rates online exacerbates this issue, leaving patients without the promised safeguard against fleecing,” said a faculty member. The PGI administration has yet to provide a concrete timeline for the completion of the online rate upload. MSID:: 122840824 413 |
