Srinagar, July 17: With rising concerns over erratic pricing and inconsistent diagnostic results, people across Jammu and Kashmir are demanding that the government implement a uniform rate list for tests conducted at private laboratories.
Patients as well as attendants said they feel exploited by the current unregulated system, where prices for the same medical test can vary widely—even on the same day.
“Last week, I had to get a test done. One lab charged me Rs 700 while another quoted Rs 1200 for the same test,” said Zareefa Bano, a patient from Anantnag. “How is that fair? There’s no transparency, and it feels like we are being taken advantage of.”
Adding to the frustration, patients also flagged a growing distrust in diagnostic accuracy. “Two labs gave me completely different blood sugar readings on the same day. One said I was diabetic; the other said I was perfectly fine,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Baramulla. “Which one do I believe? These discrepancies can have serious consequences for our health.”
Patients also raised suspicions over doctors recommending specific labs. “When doctors insist on sending us to particular private labs, we start to wonder if it’s really about our health or something else,” remarked Javaid Lone from Srinagar.
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Amid mounting public outrage, Rouf Rangraze, President of the Kashmir Private Diagnostic Centres Association J&K, acknowledged the issue. “We have met Health Minister Sakina Itoo and other senior officials multiple times to demand a uniform rate list. Unfortunately, despite promises, there has been no concrete action yet,” he said.
Rangraze said that such a rate list is essential to bring accountability. “If there’s a government-notified rate structure, any lab that overcharges can be penalised. Without it, there is no legal framework to control pricing, and unethical practices continue unchecked,” he explained.
He added that although the government had announced intentions to issue standard test rates, the delay in implementation is causing further public distress. “The longer the government waits, the more the common people suffer,” Rangraze warned.
Patients and diagnostic centre representatives alike now await decisive action from the authorities. The demand is simple yet urgent: transparency, regulation, and fairness in medical testing services that directly impact lives.
President Kashmir Private Diagnostic Centres Association J&K urged the Union Territory administration to notify a rate list for all medical investigations to keep a check on overcharging and profiteering. (KNO)
