Medical Society warns its members against tie-ups with Pristyn, Medfin, Practo, calls them online touts

Published On 2022-01-28 11:32 GMT | Update On 2022-01-28 11:34 GMT

Bangalore: Terming online aggregator platforms such as Pristyn, Medfin, Practo etc as online touts, the Bangalore Ophthalmic Society has recently written a letter to its members warning them against such tie-ups.As per the society, these online platforms promote unethical ways of gaining patients which is a clear violation of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and...

As per the society, these online platforms promote unethical ways of gaining patients which is a clear violation of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations Act, 2002.

The warning comes as the body noted that some doctors are being approached, while others have already tied up with these online aggregators like Pristyn, Medfin, Practo and others to gain patients. In the letter, the Society stated, "These platforms offer patients and charge a commission for the same. We wish to remind our members that not only is this unethical, it is also a violation of The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations Act, 2002."

The letter, signed by Society president Dr GV Divakar and secretary Dr Elankumaran P quoted a Section of the Act where it was made clear that a physician shall not give, solicit, or receive nor shall he offer to give solicit or receive, any gift, gratuity, commission or bonus in consideration of or return for the referring, recommending or procuring of any patient for medical, surgical or other treatment. "A physician shall not directly or indirectly, participate in or be a party to act of division, transference, assignment, subordination, rebating, splitting or refunding of any fee for medical, surgical or other treatment.' (Section 6.4.1); A physician shall not use touts or agents for procuring patients. [Section 7 .19)"

"These agents only lead to price wars and unhealthy competition amongst our own fraternity resulting in a decline in quality and loss of camaraderie. All of you are aware of the situation created by Practo- initially offering free appointment service and later dictating terms and diverting patients to those paying higher premiums. With respect to the above, we would like to request members to desist from encouraging and associating with the above online platforms that are nothing but online touts," the society stated.

While giving a call to the doctors to unitedly defeat the involvement of such non-medical agents, the doctors' body further stated, "We would like to request members to desist from encouraging and associating with the above online platforms. Those that have associated are requested to rescind the association. In the event that any member is found doing the same, they may be referred to the Medical Council for necessary action."

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr GV Divakar, the President of Bangalore Ophthalmic Society, BOS said, "These aggregators act like middlemen and they are only interested in taking commissions from doctors for their own benefit. These agencies approach Hospitals and doctors to collect money in exchange of publicity. This cost eventually makes the treatment expensive. This is creating unethical competition for all those medical professionals who are trying to earn in an honest way. This is bad for the patient and the doctor. Medical Service is a noble profession and it should not be made into a heartless corporate business."

" We can not disclose the details but we came to know that there are 2 to 3 medical professionals who have tied up with such online agencies. We are a doctors' body we are not legally invested with any power to take any action against any doctor. Hence, we have requested the doctors to unitedly stand against such online agencies. However, If necessary, we will approach appropriate authorities to look in the matter," he added.

Meanwhile, supporting the stance, some other medical associations and medical professionals have also lauded Bangalore Ophthalmic Society and posted on social media, " Paid online platforms have been promoting unethical hospitals & doctors. Congratulations to the Bangalore Ophthalmic Society for taking a stand. Strong doctors associations is needed to monitor this unregulated market & corporate misuse of the lawless situation."

Paid online platforms have been promoting unethical hospitals & doctors. Congratulations to the Bangalore Opthalmic Society for taking a stand. Strong doctors associations is needed to monitor this unregulated market & corporate misuse of the lawless situation. https://t.co/SGRnSYOLUe
— Gems of Large Indian Private Hospitals (@hospitalwood) January 27, 2022

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Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.

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Medical Society warns its members against tie-ups with Pristyn, Medfin, Practo, calls them online touts

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