A private hospital in Jaffna has been fined Rs. 3 million by the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court for charging patients more than the approved maximum fee for a Full Blood Count (FBC) test.
The Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has fixed the maximum fee for an FBC test at Rs. 400 at private hospitals and medical laboratories.
During a special inspection, CAA officers found that the hospital, located in the Kandar Madam area along Palali Road in Jaffna, had charged Rs. 550 for the test.
The CAA subsequently filed legal action against the institution before the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court. After the hospital pleaded guilty, the court imposed a fine of Rs. 3 million and ordered the institution to publish a notice in leading newspapers, at its own expense, informing the public of the offence.
The Consumer Affairs Authority has urged the public to be aware of the approved charges for medical services when obtaining treatment from private hospitals and laboratories.
Consumers have also been advised to obtain valid bills or receipts for all payments, as these can serve as important evidence when lodging complaints.
Complaints regarding medical institutions charging above the approved fees can be made to the Consumer Affairs Authority through its 1977 hotline during office hours.
