The Epidemic of Over-Testing and Over-Treatment in Indian Hospitals
India's healthcare system—often seen as both a life-saver and an innovation hub—is facing a less discussed, but serious epidemic: the overuse of medical tests and treatments. Behind the facade of modern hospitals and shiny diagnostic labs, a troubling pattern is emerging where patients are subjected to unnecessary procedures, racking up bills that enrich hospitals, insurance companies, and pharma players, but leave families financially drained and emotionally exhausted. How Over-Testing and Over-Treatment Happen Many Indian private hospitals operate with one eye on profit. Doctors, especially those in large corporate hospitals, often work under immense pressure to hit revenue targets set by management. In some cases, they’re compelled to suggest additional scans, blood works, and even surgeries that add little to patient care but boost the hospital's bottom line. Several reports and whistleblowers within the system have openly stated that the push to meet financial quotas lea...