Private scan centres under scanner

Official records indicate that Sangareddy district has around 250-300 hospitals and diagnostic centres. Of these, nearly 180-200 are authorised, while an estimated 50-70 are suspected to be operating without valid permissions

Metro India News | SANGAREDDY

Private scanning and diagnostic centres across Telangana are allegedly overcharging patients through unnecessary tests, inflated bills and commission-based referral networks, raising concerns over regulation and patient safety. Despite inspections and legal provisions, unauthorised centres and arbitrary pricing continue, leaving many poor and middle-class families burdened with rising medical costs.

Telangana is estimated to have 4,500-5,000 private hospitals, diagnostic laboratories and scanning centres. Of these, over 3,500 are officially registered, while 1,000-1,500 are believed to be operating without valid permissions or in violation of norms. Authorities had earlier issued notices to 224 unauthorised clinics and laboratories in Hyderabad.

Patients allege that even minor ailments are routinely referred for costly CT scans, MRI scans and other diagnostic tests that may not always be medically necessary. There are also allegations that private hospitals, doctors, RMPs and PMPs receive commissions of 40-60 per cent for referring patients to selected diagnostic centres, while some laboratories reportedly offer gifts and sponsored trips to attract referrals.

The absence of price regulation has further increased the financial burden. A whole abdomen scan costing around Rs 800-1,000 is reportedly billed at Rs 2,500-4,500, while HRCT chest scans priced at Rs 2,000-2,500 are allegedly charged up to Rs 8,000. Brain MRI scans costing Rs 3,500-4,500 are reportedly billed at Rs 7,500-14,000, and Colour Doppler tests priced around Rs 1,200-1,500 are charged up to Rs 5,000.

Health experts have also raised concerns over quality, alleging that some centres operate without qualified radiologists, with technicians conducting scans and reports issued using digital signatures of radiologists located elsewhere. Incorrect reports could delay diagnosis and result in inappropriate treatment.

The PCPNDT Act mandates strict monitoring of ultrasound and scanning centres, but critics say enforcement remains weak. In Sangareddy, Medak and Siddipet districts, patients have complained of commission-based referrals, rejection of reports from outside laboratories and unqualified technicians conducting ultrasound examinations. Although Sangareddy District Medical and Health Officer Lalitha Devi recently directed stricter implementation of the Act, critics question the lack of effective action and price regulation. Attempts to obtain the DMHO's response to the allegations were unsuccessful.