The increase in the price of out patient department (OPDs) fees at Lady Reading Hospital has been withdrawn after taking notice by Peshawar High Court in this regard. In this effect, a notification was issued on Friday by the director of the hospital, Dr Khalid Masood. The hospital has increased the registration fee of Rs 20 to Rs 30.

According to details, a two day ago, the Peshawar High Court took notice of the increase and ordered the hospital to take back the increase. The original Rs 20 fee is being charged at the hospital's OPD and emergency department.

Justice Qaiser Khursheed asked the hospital administration on what grounds they increased the OPD fee. On Wednesday, the hospital director appeared before the court. The court ordered that the OPD fee of LRH must be brought back to Rs 20 with immediate effect.

The LRH administration in its notification had said that the OPD fee will be increased by 150 percent during the next six months. It had said that the OPD fee will be increased to Rs 40 from 1 April. It further said the OPD fee will be further raised to Rs 50 from 1 July. This step of the hospital drew widespread criticism after which the court took notice of the matter.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019