Fortis episode is criminal medical extortion says Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare.

Experts allege that hospitals are maximizing use of medical consumables with high profit margins. Medical bills of Adya Singh show that a total of 660 syringes and 2700 gloves were used.

The family of the deceased baby girl had to shell out a total of Rs 2.73 lakhs for the medical consumables. The hospital made her parents pay for the medical consumables at MRP.

However, documents suggest these are available to the hospital at a much cheaper price. Comparison of ex-factory price and MRP shows sterilized gloves (powdered) are available at ex-factory price of Rs 9.61 (per pair) but MRP is Rs 49. Sterilized gloves (powder free) come at ex-factory price of Rs 20 (per pair), while MRP Rs 75.

Similarly, examination gloves have ex-factory price of Rs 1.55 but its MRP is kept at Rs 5.00. In the case of disposable syringe (5 ML with needle), documents show they are available in the ex-factory price range of Rs 1.40 to Rs 1.80 + 12% GST but their MRP ranges between Rs 6.50 to Rs 23.00.

Another important medical consumable, the intravenous set that comes at ex-factory price between Rs 3.50 to Rs 9.50 +12% GST but the MRP is kept between Rs 35 to Rs 115. Similarly, the intravenous cannula (20G) comes with ex-factory price range between Rs 4.60 to Rs 25 + 12% GST but the MRP is Rs 102 to Rs 132.

The medical device industry is also demanding rationalization of prices to stop this unfair trade practice.

Rajiv Nath of the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry said, "Hospitals are buying medical devices from those manufacturers who keep high MRP of their products despite low Ex factory prices.

This is nothing but profiteering at the cost of patients, this practice is putting a lot of pressure on other manufacturers to do the same".

The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare has called the Fortis episode an act of criminal medical extortion. The association has been fighting for rationalization of MRPs of Drugs and Medical consumables keeping in view the ex factory cost.

Earlier last year July an Iraqi woman patient was molested by an employee at this same hospital The police registered a case only after the Iraqi Embassy intervened.

Fortis official website says Executive Chairman, Fortis Healthcare Limited Malvinder is a dynamic, young business leader who has made a mark on the global landscape by simultaneously pursuing the twin objectives of business for profit and for public good, in a way that positively impacts lives.

Will the Medical Council and Modi BJP government intervene Fortis medico scams at earliest and book the culprits social media question in large.