Ministry of Health will consult with states on standardization of healthcare costs | Health News – Business Standard
The Ministry of Health will this week consult with state governments to make recommendations for setting uniform rates for treatments in healthcare facilities across the country, according to a report by the Economic times (ET).
The move comes in response to concerns raised by the Supreme Court last week over significant differences in treatment costs between government and private healthcare facilities. The court directed the Center to immediately determine the treatment charges for patients within six weeks.
The Supreme Court has also directed the Union Health Minister to convene a meeting with state partners to address the discrepancy in rates and ensure that a standard rate is announced within a month. The court reiterated citizens’ fundamental right to healthcare and emphasized the government’s responsibility in guaranteeing this right.
The Center was also criticized for failing to specify a range of rates within which private hospitals and clinics can bill patients despite a rule on the issue being framed 12 years ago.
Since health falls under the purview of the state government, the Center can help provide guidance on moving forward with the SC guidelines.
The Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), which represents medium and small hospitals, plans to intervene on behalf of the sector in the Supreme Court. AND added. AHPI has proposed the adoption of established scientific principles to determine procedural costs and establish a standardized price range to address facility categorization.
Private hospitals raised concerns, stating that healthcare costs were determined by several factors, including geographic areas (input costs may be higher in urban settings), physician experience, facility amenities, infection control measures, and patient safety protocols. Standardization can therefore compromise the overall quality of healthcare in private institutions.
First print: March 7, 2024 | 10:35 am IST