Baniyani (Jhapa), July 29: Health centres including private clinics and hospitals in Jhapa are found to be charging different rates for video x-ray in the district.
The health centres are charging between Rs. 500 to 840 for the video x-ray, according to consumers.The state-run hospital—Mechi Zonal Hospital charges Rs. 500 while the cost is Rs. 600 in private clinics run near the hospital.
Likewise, the Bajrang Medical centre in Birtamod is charging as high as Rs. 840 including applicable taxes.
Majority of the health centres in the district lack Radiologist doctors, thereby compelling one doctor to serve at more than four health facilities.Hospitals claim of providing 24 hr service but do not provide video x-ray round the clock, says Surendra Mainali of Chandragadhi.
The Cottage and Small Industry Office is authorized to monitoring the services and charge levied by the health facilities in the district. However, it has not been possible due to lack of technical expertise, says Chief of the Office Gopi Ghimire.
Others charging high rate for video x-ray in the district are Medical hospital in Birtamod and the Birta City Hospital that charge Rs. 800 while the Kantipur Medical is charging Rs. 840 for the same.
Radiologist at Mechi Zonal Hospital Sanjaya Gupta said the fee is based on the quality of service provided by the particular hospitals.
However, Chief of the District Public Health Office, Jhapa, Chandra Dev Mehta said the inability of the government to fix the rate for video x-ray has given rise to such anomalies.
