PGIMER canteen faces backlash for overcharging patients. Violations noted, no penalties yet. Patients allege inflated bills and missing complaint system
Chandigarh – Patients and attendants at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) are raising concerns over routine overcharging and exploitation at the sole canteen in the hospital’s new OPD building, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The issue is especially troubling as many patients arrive on empty stomachs for blood tests, and for those coming from out of town, it’s often their first meal of the day. Several complain they’re too tired or unwell to argue over inflated bills.
Cases of Overcharging & Unavailable Items
A patient was charged ₹220 for two thalis, only to later discover ₹40 was added for cold drinks he didn’t order. In another incident, a woman who asked for a single meal was charged for a meal, mini meal, and juice, totaling far more than expected.
Items like samosas, patties, and noodles, listed on the menu, are unavailable, while unlisted items like sweet lime juice for ₹70 and dosa for ₹90 are sold freely.
A daily wage labourer from Uttar Pradesh visiting PGI for his mother’s treatment said:
“The food is too costly, but we have no other option nearby.”
Violation of PGI Rules
Under PGI’s policy, the canteen operator must maintain a complaint register in public view, but none was found. The absence of this register and cases of overcharging are both fineable offenses:
- ₹5,000 per instance for not displaying the register
- ₹10,000 for each case of overcharging
Despite clear rules, no fines or penalties have been levied so far.
Official Response & Contractor’s Claim
Contractor Dheeraj Dhawan, who secured the canteen contract via an e-tender in December 2024, defended the billing practice:
“Meals are sold at ₹60. Extras like juice are added as combo packs when ordered. If someone wants just the meal, we provide it.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Vipin Kaushal, PGIMER Medical Superintendent and official spokesperson, confirmed that violations had been observed:
“We’ve sought an explanation from the vendor. After a fair hearing, penalties will be imposed as per the licence terms,” Kaushal told Hindustan Times.
Read also: Massive Anti-Encroachment Drive in Chandigarh’s Sectors 26 & 34
Urgent Need for Oversight
With 10,000+ daily footfall, the new OPD’s only canteen plays a vital role in patient care. However, the lack of regulation, hidden charges, and missing complaint systems highlight serious administrative lapses that demand immediate redressal.
Source: Hindustan Times
