Probe ordered after patient alleges negligence in PGI Chandigarh Urology Dept: Report

Chandigarh: The Advanced Urology Department at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has come under scrutiny following allegations of kickbacks, involvement of private intermediaries and negligence after the alleged failure of a penile implant surgery. The patient has submitted a complaint to the institute's director and the Union Health Ministry, as reported by TOI.

According to the Daily, the complaint, filed by a patient from Maharashtra, alleges that he was directed towards private service providers during his treatment and incurred expenses of more than ₹7 lakh, substantially higher than the initial amount quoted for the implant and surgery.  

According to the complaint, the patient was reportedly initially charged Rs 1.5 lakh for the implant and Rs 20,000 for the surgical procedure. He subsequently alleged that several additional expenses were effectively imposed on him during the course of treatment. 

The patient further alleged that routine diagnostic tests were carried out at a private pathology laboratory where individual bills ranged from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. The complaint claimed that an intermediary linked to the department was involved and that a 50% commission was allegedly being shared.

“These were the routine blood tests which are available in any hospital,” the complainant said. 

In his letter, he also cited a pharmacy racket where patients were handed cards directing them to an external pharmacy, whose representatives allegedly operate inside the department. Additionally, the letter alleged that the doctor convinced him to go for an imported implant, which was the most expensive, reports TOI. 

“The implant ruptured, extruded from the body, and required emergency removal, leaving me incapacitated,” he said. “I have recurrent infections and have been in extreme agony,” the complainant further alleged.

The patient said he had chosen PGI for treatment after seeing promotional videos on social media featuring a senior professor from the urology department. 

PGI has acknowledged receiving the complaint and said the allegations are being examined by the competent authorities.

“A complaint concerning the alleged malpractice and involvement of intermediaries/agents in relation to treatment at the Department of Urology, PGI, has been received by the institute. The matter has been taken cognisance of and is being examined by the competent authorities. Appropriate action, as per the findings of the enquiry and the applicable rules and procedures of the institute, will be taken accordingly,” a PGI spokesperson said.