Treatment rates will not be displayed: Will not implement government directive, says private hospitals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private hospital owners say they will not implement the Health Department's directive, including displaying treatment rates. The case against the impractical provisions of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018, is in the Supreme Court. The Kerala Private Hospitals Association has said that the conditions will not be implemented until a decision is made on this.

However, the Clinical Establishment Council officials clarified that the association's case was dismissed by the High Court and that the government issued instructions in accordance with the law. The stance of private hospitals is that the treatment rates cannot be displayed like in commercial institutions. It is practical for the coordinators to explain the treatment and the amount to the patients. The cost of kidney stone surgery for children and adults will vary depending on the health condition. Hospital owners are asking how to display a fixed rate in this situation.

The law applies to all institutions that have beds and only provide examination services, including hospitals, laboratories, dental clinics, and AYUSH health centres.

Treatment should not be denied even if money is not paid in advance

• Patients who come in an emergency should not be denied treatment on the grounds of not paying in advance, lack of documents, etc.
• Transportation facilities should be arranged if patients need to be transferred to a hospital with better facilities
• Treatment records and examination reports should be given to the patient immediately after discharge.
• A grievance redressal cell should be set up in all institutions.
• Complaints should be resolved within seven days.
• Registration certificate should be displayed in a way that the public can see

Impractical proposals cannot be implemented. The imposition of conditions that put private hospitals in crisis will affect the better treatment of the common man.

-Dr. Anwar Muhammad Ali

General Secretary, Private Hospitals Association.