Forgery of Doctors' Signatures in Fake Prescriptions for PPP Test Referrals at RG Kar Hospital

Kolkata: A shocking scam has surfaced at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where fake prescriptions with the names of legitimate doctors and their signatures are being handed to patients, directing them to undergo diagnostic tests under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. An internal investigation has been launched to identify those behind the fraud. 

The fake prescriptions closely resemble the original ones, including the use of the hospital's stamp, indicating possible malpractice and corruption within the system. Unfortunately, since patients were unaware of this, they proceeded with the prescribed tests. 

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The fraud was exposed after the authorities received several recent complaints from patients who were allegedly referred for tests such as digital X-rays and CT scans on prescriptions purportedly signed by doctors. However, when patients approached the doctors named in the prescriptions, they denied recommending such tests and issuing the prescription. 

As these tests fall under the PPP model, the unidentified culprits appear to have earned a considerable commission through the scam. However, this is not yet confirmed as the investigation is in progress.  

The prescription carried the doctor's name from several departments, including Gynaecology, but the doctors from the concerned department had no idea about the scam. This means that the prescriptions were prepared without their consent or knowledge. 

Most of the fake documents seem to have originated from the hospital’s Trauma Care Centre, leaving authorities and staff alarmed at how such unauthorised medical procedures were executed. 

On this, several affected doctors have submitted written complaints to the Vice Principal and Medical Superintendent, demanding immediate intervention and accountability.

Meanwhile, the scam has raised multiple questions: Who is generating these fake prescriptions? How are they being processed through official systems? And is this part of a larger scheme to exploit diagnostic services under the PPP model?

Commenting on the matter, Dr Saptarshi Chattopadhyay, MSVP of RG Kar Medical College, told Bhaskar, “We have taken serious note of these complaints and an official inquiry has been initiated. The process will verify how these incidents occurred and identify those responsible.”

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