On 20th July I visited Max Balaji Hospital, Patpargunj New Delhi for vaccination of my daughter. After vaccination I was given the doctor’s slip and asked to pay Rs. 2100 as per the given bill. When I checked the pack MRPs, printed vaccine prices were Rs. 1468 (Okavax) and Rs. 96.25 (MMR Tresivac). However bill was showing 1500 and Rs. 600 respectively.
When I questioned the billing clerk she told that in Okavax vaccine administering charges have been added. I was shocked! Chemists offer discounts on MRPs I know, hospital charging for storing and handling medicines I heard for the first time in my life. Regarding the other (MMR Tresivac vaccine) price clerk told hospital has billed for a different brand (exorbitantly priced brand, Rs. 95 vs Rs. 600).
Excuses were ridiculous, without prior intimation or showing segregated amount/mention in bill no hospital can charge administering charges within medicine cost. And in MMR vaccine without even consulting me on brands they have injecting a regular/cheap MMR brand (Rs. 96.25) and very smartly billed for the most expensive MMR brand. Max Balaji chemists also don’t keep that expensive MMR brand (some Priorix MMR).
I found both offences very serious. So I wrote to Max Balaji hospital superintendent and Max Healthcare chairman. Only hospital superintendent replied, Max chairman Mr. Analjit Singh and his office did not even bothered to reply or enquire about this matter. Hospital superintendent Dr. Shaloo replied that as a policy administering charges are inbuilt (meaning hidden) in vaccine MRPs and wrong brand billing is a clerical error (in spite a doctor’s slip).
I checked my previous visit bills also. And found none has the vaccine brand, batch no, manufacturer, pack rate or expiry date mentioned on any bill. Some vaccine MRPs were also very vague. This proved Max is recovering additional charges bundled with medicine/vaccine MRPs from all patients.
I never ever dreamt Max Hospital service fee can be hidden in medicine MRPs, charges are more than market prices (under the garb of amount rounding off), bills are incomplete and ambiguous. My trust on Max brand is completely shattered; I am planning to file a suit of cheating against them. Except your eyes and don’t trust anyone! Share your similar experiences at: [email protected]
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