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Crime
Ludhiana Civil Hospital Faces Allegations of Patient Extortion
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ludhiana
🗓 09 Sep 2026, 06:04 PM
👁 7
Authorities have received complaints that staff at Ludhiana Civil Hospital are demanding money from patients, prompting a police investigation.
Ludhiana Civil Hospital has come under scrutiny after multiple patients reported being asked for cash payments beyond the standard fees. The complaints, first reported by local newspaper Amar Ujala, allege that some hospital personnel are coercing patients and their families to hand over money for services that should be free or covered under government schemes.
According to the grievances, the demands are made at various points of care, including outpatient counters and in‑patient wards, with threats of delayed treatment if payments are not made. Several affected individuals have approached the police, filing formal FIRs that allege extortion and abuse of authority.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered and that investigative teams are examining the allegations. They have said that any staff found guilty of demanding illicit payments will face strict legal action under the Indian Penal Code.
The hospital administration, when approached for comment, stated that it is cooperating with law‑enforcement agencies and will conduct an internal inquiry. It emphasized that the institution adheres to the guidelines set by the Punjab Health Department and that any misconduct will be dealt with promptly.
The incident adds to a growing concern over unlawful fee extraction in public hospitals across the state, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and transparent billing practices.
According to the grievances, the demands are made at various points of care, including outpatient counters and in‑patient wards, with threats of delayed treatment if payments are not made. Several affected individuals have approached the police, filing formal FIRs that allege extortion and abuse of authority.
Police officials confirmed that a case has been registered and that investigative teams are examining the allegations. They have said that any staff found guilty of demanding illicit payments will face strict legal action under the Indian Penal Code.
The hospital administration, when approached for comment, stated that it is cooperating with law‑enforcement agencies and will conduct an internal inquiry. It emphasized that the institution adheres to the guidelines set by the Punjab Health Department and that any misconduct will be dealt with promptly.
The incident adds to a growing concern over unlawful fee extraction in public hospitals across the state, prompting calls for stricter monitoring and transparent billing practices.