Thiruvananthapuram: Govt has initiated steps to regulate treatment costs in private hospitals, including charges for medicines, diagnostic services, procedures and room accommodation, with plans to bring a bill before the assembly.A committee headed by the principal secretary (health) has been constituted to examine the issue and submit a comprehensive report with specific recommendations. The director of medical education, director of health services and managing director of the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) are members of the panel.The committee will examine whether private hospitals can procure medicines through KMSCL and whether such a system could help reduce procurement costs and, consequently, treatment expenses for patients. Its recommendations will form the basis for the proposed legislation to regulate charges in the private healthcare sector.Health minister K Muraleedharan said govt had received several complaints regarding high treatment charges in private hospitals, besides allegations of deficiencies and errors in treatment and patient care. While acknowledging the important role played by private hospitals in providing specialised and advanced medical services, Muraleedharan said steps were necessary to make such treatment more affordable and accessible.Govt will hold consultations with private hospitals and other stakeholders on the possibility of supplying medicines to patients at prices below the maximum retail price wherever feasible. Greater transparency in medicine pricing will also be examined.The committee will also review charges for laboratory tests, imaging and other diagnostic services with the aim of reducing the financial burden on patients. The possibility of lowering room rent and accommodation charges, particularly in ordinary and general wards, will also be examined.Govt is further considering expanding govt-sponsored health insurance schemes to more private hospitals to enable beneficiaries to access specialised treatment without having to bear the entire cost.The proposed framework will also look into complaints relating to treatment deficiencies, medical errors and other shortcomings in private hospitals and recommend mechanisms to strengthen quality of care, patient safety and accountability.Govt plans to examine all these aspects before finalising recommendations for the proposed bill, which is intended to bring greater transparency and affordability to private healthcare services in the state.
