He added: “There is an agreement between doctors and contractors on two diseases. If the victim is suffering from lung-related disease then the doctors- chest specialists-- treating such patients will have to pay commission to road contractors. But if it is a case of bone dislocation, slip disc etc then bone-specialists will have to pay the contractors concerned. The contractor to be paid commission would be selected on the basis of the road used by the patient who has led to his illnesses.”

I don't believe this allegation of Shamsher at all. But private hospitals and nursing homes are in for a big jolt. The Centre is thinking of fixing the rates for medical treatment in these healing centers. The rates will vary in keeping with the classification of the hospital/ nursing home. This is not all. These private healing centers will have to open their websites and declare their medical charges on it. They will also have to hang the rate list prominently inside the hospital premises.

The honest hospital owners do not have to fear anything. But those doctors who never tire of fleecing money by hook or by crook from the patients would soon be in trouble if they do not desist from charging exorbitantly even when the treatment was not necessary. Interestingly enough, if the Centre puts through its scheme, the nursing homes/ hospitals will also have to mention prominently as to what examinations will be required for which disease and under what conditions should a decision be taken to carry out surgery. Well, what have you to say doctors?