Keralam Health Minister seeks more affordable care in private sector hospitals

Keralam Health Minister K. Muraleedharan has directed the Principal Secretary (Health) to hold a consultation with representatives of the private health sector and other stakeholders to explore the possibilities of making treatment in private hospitals more accessible and affordable to common people.

The note sent by Mr. Muraleedharan speaks of the large number of complaints he has been receiving from the public regarding the exorbitant treatment charges levied by private hospitals. He says that several complaints regarding alleged deficiencies and treatment errors in private hospitals have also been coming to him.

Mr. Muraleedharan points out that although private hospitals are a crucial presence in Keralam’s health sector and their contribution to specialised and advanced medical care are recognised and much appreciated, it has become necessary to take appropriate steps to make such services more affordable and accessible to people from all sections of society.

He suggests that the government may initiate talks with private health providers in three areas, reduction in the cost of medicines, reduction in diagnostic charges and reduction in room rents.

Mr. Muraleedharan suggests that steps may be taken to supply medicines at prices lower than the MRP wherever possible and that better transparency may be brought in in the pricing of medicines supplied through private hospitals.

He also says that the charges for laboratory investigations, imaging and other diagnostic services may be reviewed to reduce the financial burden on patients. Also, the feasibility of reducing room rent and other accommodation-related charges in private hospitals may be explored, particularly for ordinary rooms and general wards, the note says.

According to Mr. Muraleedharan, the government’s position is that treatment should not become so expensive that ordinary people cannot afford it. He adds that what is required is a practical regulatory framework that protects patients’ interests while taking into account the operating costs and practical difficulties of private hospitals.

A statement issued by the office of the Health Minister said that a four-member committee, chaired by the Principal Secretary (Health), with the Director of Health Services, the Director of Medical Education, and the Managing Director of KMSCL as members, would look into the prospect of drafting a Bill incorporating the above aspects.