Kolkata: The Association of Private Hospital and Nursing Home (APHNH) has stated the need to review certain packages under govt health schemes along with a binding timeline for clarification of dues to hospitals for treatment under these schemes. On Monday, the association members claimed they would abide by ethics and help the govt unearth unethical practices while standing by the rights of patients.
The govt launched Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY along with Mukhya Mantri Swasthya Bima Yojana in mid-Aug though Swasthya Sathi cases are still being entertained in some cases, as migration to the central health scheme is yet to be completed.
Private hospitals said the rates of some packages under ABPM-JAY, especially some orthopaedic procedures and implants, are much lower compared to the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which is being phased out. Clear provisions are also required to cover clinical complications and reasonable additional treatment costs,” said physician Rajiw Kumar Pandey, secretary, APHNH. Doctors said that in some cases, the package amount gets exhausted during treatment, like in cases of critical patients, near-fatal accidents or cancer.
“We have requested for a mechanism to review package rates on a regular basis, including those for ICU care, surgery, orthopaedics and implants. The association has sought clear guidelines on what happens when package limit is exhausted.