MRTPC orders probe against Max Hospital for unfair trade practices

New Delhi, Oct 9 (UNI) The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of unfair trade practices against the Max Devki Devi Heart and Vascular Institute.

The Commission ordered the probe following a complaint filed by Padmashree Dinanath Malhotra, alleging that he was charged different rates for the same procedure depending upon the category of the room occupied by him .

Mr Malhotra, 82, was admitted to the hospital on February 15, 2006 to undergo angioplasty the same day.

According to the complaint, Max cardiac unit incharge Dr Ashok Seth was approached for the procedure but a junior resident doctor had examined Mr Malhotra and recommended the angioplasty.

Mr Malhotra was informed by Dr Seth's PA that the procedure would cost him Rs 28,000, it said.

However, when the patient was discharged from the hospital he was handed over a bill of Rs 4.24 lakh for his four-day stay in the hospital during which he developed post procedure complications.

''The so-called package deals have been designed with a view to allure and entice the patient and general public than to convey true and correct information about estimated expenses,'' it said.

''This is ex-facie outrageous, irrational and per se unfair practice. No administration can be made in the cost of the treatment on the basis of type of accommodation taken by the patient.'' Mr Malhotra also alleged that Dr Seth did not even once examine him and he did not know who performed the procedure on him.

Authorities at Max hospital could not be reached despite several attempts.

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