- By Shubham Bajpai
- Thu, 06 Aug 2026 10:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Raghav Chadha exposed doctor-diagnostic center commission nexus.
- Patients bear 15-20% higher costs due to commissions.
- Practice is illegal under MCI, NMC rules; strict action urged.
After a long time, Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha was seen in his old avatar in the House on Thursday, raising issues affecting common people on a day-to-day basis. While speaking in the House, Chadha expressed serious concern about the hidden commission system being harboured by the nexus of doctors and diagnostic centres.
Calling it a parallel economy, Chadha emphasised that patients are unaware that a portion of their money for health checkups and tests is distributed as commissions in the name of marketing expenses.
Treatment is 15 to 20 per cent more expensive
Chadha cited the "Indian Journal of Medical Ethics" to explain that such unethical practices increase patients' medical bills by 15 to 20 per cent as they force people to undergo unnecessary tests. The BJP MP further added that patients come to the hospital for treatment, not to pay commissions. But ultimately, the entire burden of these commissions is passed on to the patient's bill.
Chadha said that the practice of taking commission is already illegal under the Medical Council of India (MCI) Rules, 2002.
The law prohibits it as "fee-splitting." Furthermore, the National Medical Commission (NMC) Rules, 2023, also explicitly prohibit it.
Pushing for tough actions against doctors involved in it, Chadha stressed that the registration of the doctor violating the rules can be suspended for 1 to 3 months and, in serious cases, action can also be taken under fraud and consumer protection laws.
Respect for doctors, but voice against wrong system
The Rajya Sabha MP clarified that his comments are in no way against the entire medical profession. He acknowledged that most doctors in the country are serving patients with complete honesty, dedication, and commitment. The problem is not with the doctors, but with this unfair "cut-money" system.
Raghav's advice for the general public
Speaking in Parliament, the BJP Rajya Sabha MP also offered a piece of advice to the citizens. He urged patients to be wary if they are pressured to go to a particular testing centre.
Chadha further emphasised that every patient should have the freedom to choose a reliable and accredited testing center of their choice. He also called for strict measures to increase transparency within the country's healthcare system and protect patients from this unethical exploitation.