Hyderabad: Patients are struggling with high costs for outpatient services at private hospitals. Even after paying for expensive inpatient care, they face hefty charges when seeing in-house doctors for follow-up visits. These doctors charge between Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500 per visit, and part of this fee goes to the hospital.
In many hospitals, this trend is due to weak regulation by state medical authorities. Corporate hospitals in Hyderabad and beyond exploit this situation, earning significant profits unethically without accountability.
Previously, outpatient services were more affordable than inpatient care. Now, rising fees have made these services a burden for many. Hospitals charge at least Rs 1,000 for regular outpatient visits and between Rs 1,500 to Rs 3,000 for specialist consultations. Fees vary based on the hospital’s reputation and size.
Insurance usually covers inpatient services, leaving patients to cover costly outpatient fees themselves. Beyond consultation charges, patients face high costs for diagnostic tests and medicines. Often, doctors prescribe medications available only at the hospital’s pharmacy, which are more expensive than external stores.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has guidelines urging doctors to prescribe generic drugs and avoid unnecessary medications. State Medical Councils can discipline those who do not comply.
In a recent PIL hearing, the Supreme Court urged states to ensure hospitals do not overcharge for in-house pharmacy items. Justice Surya Kant expressed concern over inflated prices for essential medical items at hospital-linked pharmacies, highlighting inconsistent regulations in private healthcare.
One patient, K Shashikala (name changed), needed to see a senior endocrinologist. She was charged Rs 900 for a walk-in consultation, including a Rs 100 registration fee, or Rs 1,000 if booked by phone. To avoid extra fees, she delayed her follow-up visit by a few days.
A senior Health Department official mentioned that while doctors can prescribe medications based on patient needs, they cannot force patients to buy from in-house pharmacies. The cost of outpatient consultations also depends on the hospital’s facilities and equipment.
