DERA GHAZI KHAN: Allegations of collusion among doctors and staff at the Sardar Fateh Muhammad Khan Buzdar Institute of Cardiology have surfaced as patients are being charged exorbitant additional fees for operations at the government hospital.

In response to a written complaint from patient Shahid Iftikhar Ghori, Commissioner Dr Nasir Mahmood Bashir has ordered Medical Superintendent Dr Abdul Rahman Khan Chandia to submit a report within seven days regarding the allegations.

Mr Ghori reported his ordeal to the commissioner that he was admitted to the cardiology institute on May 31 for a scheduled bypass operation on June 1 due to a heart problem. Upon admission,

Mr Ghori underwent 25 to 30 tests, costing him over Rs40,000. Additionally, he arranged blood donors as instructed by the doctors. However, on the day of the operation, he was asked to pay an additional Rs250,000 despite having already paid Rs405,000, for which he only received a receipt of Rs96,000.

The operation was canceled due to his inability to pay.

The surgeon in charge initially agreed to proceed with the operation but later canceled it, citing Ghori’s unfitness for anesthesia, despite prior tests indicating otherwise.

Mr Ghori alleges that the operation was canceled due to his inability to pay the extra amount, causing him significant mental distress.

Medical Superintendent Dr Chandia confirmed that he had been ordered to investigate the allegations and submit a report within seven days.

He denied all allegations levelled by the patient and said these were fake allegations.

Published in Dawn, June 4th, 2024