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