Surgeons Body Seeks PM Modi's Intervention In App-Based Patient Referral System
NDTV
Accusing the mobile apps "making the public choose the cheapest offer" in their advertisements, AMASI said the "demeaning attitude and action of such companies is very detrimental to the self image of the medical community".
The Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI) has sought intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to curb the "unethical practice" of mobile app-based patient referral in India that directs patients to surgeons or doctors "without examination", saying it jeopardises adequate clinical judgement.
AMASI, which claims to be the largest subsection of Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) with more than 11,000 members, alleged that some hospitals were also in alliance with these mobile app firms, which then "direct unsuspecting patients to the hospital which pays maximum to the app company".
In a letter to the prime minister, AMASI President Dr Jugindra Sorokhaibam said the Executive Committee of AMASI has learnt that certain mobile apps were being utilised in the country "to direct patients to surgeons/doctors without examination, who have signed contracts with these companies".
The payment is made to the mobile app company and the company pays an amount to the surgeon after reduction of commission.