An alleged fraudulent operation involving brokers arranging MRI scans and other medical tests for patients at Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan’s largest government medical facility has been exposed, according to a local investigation by Dainik Bhaskar.
Under established health schemes and hospital policy, diagnostic tests including MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are supposed to be provided free of cost to eligible patients at government hospitals such as SMS Hospital. These free services are part of state government efforts to make costly diagnostic procedures accessible to all patients, especially economically vulnerable individuals.
A recent sting operation by the media outlet found that brokers were facilitating MRI scans and other tests for patients without following proper hospital procedures, charging fees that ranged from ₹3,000–₹8,000, amounts that patients paid directly to intermediaries rather than receiving the service for free.
According to the Bhaskar investigation:
Brokers were reportedly handling OPD slip issuance, generating doctors’ prescriptions, and even affixing seals, all without patients ever meeting a physician or being physically evaluated.
Paid intermediaries arranged and expedited the tests, bypassing the mandatory steps of verification by radiography staff and approval by designated hospital officials.
The sting highlighted alleged negligence by hospital personnel responsible for oversight at MRI centres. Reporters observed assigned officers absent from their duty posts, leaving gaps that apparently allowed brokers to operate with minimal supervision.
Normally, hospital protocols require:
Presentation of a valid OPD slip and doctor’s prescription.
Verification of these documents in person by radiography staff.
Clearance and approval from a nominated officer before free scans can be officially sanctioned.
In contrast, the sting operation found these checks were not followed, and hospital officials were reportedly not present at their duty stations for significant periods, including key verification steps.
Following the news:
At least one hospital employee has been suspended, and additional personnel are reported to be under investigation.
Investigative focus includes verifying documented procedures and accountability of those responsible for supervising MRI centers and their compliance with established healthcare guidelines.
(Rh/TL)