Law on Commission, Kickbacks practice soon in Public Domain

Mumbai: With the government taking a serious stand against the going practice of commission and kickbacks within the medical sector, the eight- member committee which has drafted a bill to look into the alleged ‘cut practice’ among hospitals and doctors, will soon put out the draft of the law for public suggestions.

Medical Dialogues team had earlier reported that taking cognizance of the growing issue of kickbacks in the medical sector, the state government had formed an 8 member expert committee to frame guidelines/laws for punishment for the practice. Under the proposed anti-kickback law, the commission practice may lead a punishment up to three months and fine up to Rs.5,000 for first time offence. Repeated offender would be punishable by simple imprisonment up to six months and fine of Rs.25,000.

Read more at Medical Dialogues: Soon, commission practice will lead to imprisonment 

HT now reports that the proposed bill is soon going to be placed under the public domain for comments and suggestions. Dr Pravin Shingare, director, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER),  one of the committee members, said that nearly 60% of the doctors in the city indulge in ‘cut practice’. “It has become a menace, and the government wants to now take a serious look at this problem,” he told HT.

“Like every draft bill, this one too will be put up on the website for public reaction and suggestions,” he added.