The Jaffna Magistrate’s Court has imposed a fine of Rs. 3 million (03 million) on the Venus Speciality Hospital in Jaffna for charging more than the government-set price for a blood test.
The case in question was referred to the Jaffna Magistrate’s Court by the Consumer Affairs Authority. The decision was given when the case was taken up on July 21.
According to the legal regulations imposed by the Consumer Affairs Authority, the maximum fee that private sector laboratories or hospitals can charge for an FBC test is Rs. 400/-. However, Venus Speciality Hospital (Pvt) Ltd, located on Palaly Road, Kandarmadam, Jaffna, has charged consumers Rs. 550/- for an FBC test.
When the case was called, the management of the defendant hospital admitted the relevant offence. In addition to the fine, the Magistrate has also ordered that a public notice be published in major newspapers at the expense of the defendant private hospital regarding the offence committed.