LMD fines private hospital for violating measurement standards, ambiguous billing

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 15: In a significant step towards enforcing consumer protection and ensuring compliance with Legal Metrology norms, the Legal Metrology Department (LMD) of Jammu & Kashmir has taken action against a prominent Punjab-based private hospital chain located in Greater Kailash, Jammu.
The Hospital, specializing in orthopaedic surgeries and bone-related treatments, was found guilty of conducting transactions using non-standard units of measurement, which violates the Legal Metrology Act.
The violation came to light following a special inspection carried out by a team of Legal Metrology officers from Jammu district, under the directions of Controller Anuradha Gupta. The inspection aimed to regulate commercial transactions in the healthcare sector and ensure compliance with the Legal Metrology Act to safeguard consumers from unfair practices.
During the investigation, it was discovered that the Hospital was using non-standard units of measurement in its billing for medical services and devices. Discrepancies were specifically noted in transactions involving the quantity of surgical materials and dressing supplies used in surgeries, which was inaccurately reflected in patient bills.
The Hospital management admitted to the violation and opted to resolve the matter through departmental compounding by paying a fine of Rs 20,000.
In a public statement, the LMD emphasized that medical services, including transactions involving medical devices, are subject to the Legal Metrology Act. The Department reminded consumers that pre-packaged commodities must not be sold at prices exceeding their Maximum Retail Price (MRP).
The Department urged consumers to remain vigilant, carefully review hospital bills and report any discrepancies such as overcharging to the LMD for timely resolution. The Controller also appealed to traders and service providers, including hospitals, to voluntarily adhere to Legal Metrology standards to ensure transparent and fair billing practices.