After doctors arrest, IMA pushes for e-payments

Hyderabad: After the arrest of renowned Mumbai oncologist Dr Suresh Advani, a Padma Bhushan awardee, for transporting allegedly fraudulent currency, the Indian Medical Association has warned all its members not to hoard money and ensure they work in a transparent manner and accept payments through digital mediums.

IMA president Dr K.K. Aggarwal said many senior doctors are “having issues while accepting payments through digital ways, and they have asked for help from those with the technology background. We are urging doctors to use the digital payment systems, through which they can accept online payment and also work towards making their practise transparent.”

The IMA, in an advisory to the doctors, has stated that they must keep a margin of 30 per cent for taxes inbuilt in the consultation fee.

A senior doctor, requesting anonymity, said, “In the corporate set-up, taxes are taken care of, but the small private hospitals are going to be worst hit.” He said any increase in cost to going digital would affect patients. Doctors are being asked to use Paytm, credit and debit card machines, RTGS transfers and accept cheques as payment.