Hyderabad: Many private and corporate hospitals in the city are not following the rules set by the State Government and the Clinical Establishment Act, 2010. They charge high fees for treatments and surgeries, taking advantage of the lack of qualified doctors to oversee regulations.
Healthcare experts say these hospitals often ignore the basic rule of clearly displaying surgical costs. Patients admitted for surgery or other serious health issues face varying charges, depending on their insurance status.
Once a patient is admitted, hospitals immediately check if they have insurance. If insured, hospitals conduct numerous diagnostic tests, some unnecessary, especially for neurological cases. This includes tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, even if the patient has a history of minor strokes. They often suggest expensive procedures like stents, which can cost upwards of Rs 36,000. The initial tests alone can cost families between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000, usually demanded upfront in cash.
Surgery costs, including consumables and operation theater charges, are set arbitrarily by hospitals, ignoring standard rates. Consequently, even insured middle-class families face significant expenses.
Research in India shows that high out-of-pocket healthcare costs push about 2.2% of the population into poverty annually. Hospitals are supposed to display service charges in both English and the local language as per the Act. Failure to comply can lead to fines or even cancellation of the hospital’s registration.
Experts argue that while private hospitals meet healthcare demands, there should be strict oversight on pricing. The Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) has not been effective in controlling high hospital fees. Vice Chairman Dr. G Srinivas admits many hospitals ignore the rules, and he emphasizes the need for government action against such hospitals.
The administration struggles with insufficient staff to inspect hospitals regularly. The State Government adopted the Clinical Establishment Act in 2023, which should be enforced automatically. Recruitment drives aim to solve the doctor shortage and enable inspections.
Dr. B Ravinder Nayak, the Director of Public Health, stated hospitals must display price lists and inform patients beforehand. If patients feel overcharged, they can contact the District Registration Authority (DRA), led by the District Collector. The cases are then forwarded to the DMHO. Uniform pricing efforts are ongoing, but full implementation will take time.
