Fortis Healthcare — Patient appointment scam

Address: Fortis Hospital Mohali

Patient Appointment Related Irregularities - Incident On 28 July 2024 Fortis Mohali

Dear Sir,

Perhaps it will be worthwhile to investigate as to why patients seeking doctors appointments in the Fortis Hospitals are being given appointment dates and appointment timings based on whether cash is being given or whether the patient is being subsidised by some 'cashless' govt/insurance scheme or is from ECHS.

As an 99 year old ECHS patient at Fortis Mohali I was referred by the Neurologist Dr Sewal to the Rheumatologist Dr Abrol on 27 July. Unfortunately, Dr Abrol was on leave on 27 July.

On 28 July at 10:35 AM, I requested for an appointment on telephone (OPD Appointments) with Dr Abrol. One Mr Raj who was on duty, after confirming whether I was a ECHS patient or under any govt medical scheme, told me that since no slot was available, earliest that could be given was on 13 September!

Incidentally, these kind of 'appointment delays' are being attributed to 'heavy load'-- which is an excuse to provide 'cash paying' patients earlier priority.

But as per the 'myfortis app', I saw appointments for both, Dr Abrol and Dr Satbir Kaur (Rheumatology Dept, OPD), available on 29 July, for 'on line cash payment patients'. The Fortis Appointment desk had no answer to my complaint/querry.

Though I am an ECHS patient, I paid cash Rs 1250/- and got the appointment forthwith.

Obviously this is an unethical practice by Fortis Hospitals. Unfair and discriminatory. Whether paid by the patient or by his organisation, Fortis Hospitals are getting money for services rendered and are not providing any charity.

I am attaching all proof of the entire episode and I expect a logical and acceptable explanation from the Fortis heirarchy rather than the standard 'sorry for the incovinience, matter is being investigated'.

H S Sarao
( [protected])

1553
Sector 18 D,
Chandigarh- 160018