Lab Test Charges To Be Regulated: Govt Enforces Pricing Rules, Flying Squads To Monitor Labs

Citizens will soon be protected from arbitrary charges at diagnostic centres and laboratories, as the government plans to implement new pricing regulations within the next three months, according to a mid-day report. The regulations will be strictly enforced with a special monitoring cell and flying squads to prevent malpractices.

On Wednesday, during a session in the state Legislative Council, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar announced that a draft proposal to regulate charges at private testing labs had been sent to the law and judiciary department. The department has recommended some changes, and the revised proposal will soon be resubmitted. "We expect the new regulations to be tabled for approval in the upcoming monsoon session," Abitkar said. The monsoon session is usually held in July.

The issue was raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sunil Shinde, who pointed out that private laboratories were overcharging patients, especially for tests related to dengue, swine flu, and other diseases. He questioned whether the government would take steps to regulate diagnostic test prices.

Abitkar explained to mid-day that the government's strategy to put an end to the practice. He stressed that drafting regulations alone would not be enough and highlighted the need for strict enforcement. "A special monitoring cell and flying squads will be deployed to check for malpractice," he said.

To ensure transparency, the government also plans to introduce a helpline for citizens to report cases of overcharging. Additionally, diagnostic centres and laboratories will be required to clearly display test charges for public awareness. "This will make it easier for people to access medical tests at fair prices without fear of being overcharged," Abitkar added.

The move is expected to bring significant relief to citizens and ensure fair pricing across private diagnostic facilities.