Karnataka: Panel to decide on private hospitals’ quote

BENGALURU: An offer from private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients for families below the poverty line (BPL) has gained support of a section of a committee formed by the government to take a call on the issue. According to the proposal, private hospitals will treat this category for patients at Rs 5,200 to Rs 10,000 per day under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka.
The committee met on Saturday and discussed the proposal advanced by Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA).
Some committee members supported the rates saying the rates are economical, especially since the cost of one personal protection equipment (PPE) outfit costing between Rs 1400 and Rs 1700.
“Kerala fixed Rs 3,500 per day excluding costs of PPE and drugs,” sources said. “The price quoted by private hospitals in Karnataka includes PPEs, diet and routine drugs. The committee’s decision will be aired before the taskforce on Monday.”
However, there were voices of dissent too, with some members saying the costs are too steep. “The money medical colleges across the state have spent on treating an asymptomatic patient has not gone beyond Rs 1,600 per day as per a calculation,” said a member. “It could also be because the general ward in government hospitals would have many patients in a large single room. Still, the cost in private hospital cannot be triple this amount.”
The average daily cost of treatment increases to Rs 7,000 per day if the patient requires oxygen support, Rs 8,500 in ICU and Rs 10,000 if ventilator is required. PHANA costs cover routine drugs and PPE, but it does not include cost of treatment of co-morbidities. Testing, special procedures and investigations would be billed at CGHS rates and 50% of the cost. High-end drugs and plasma therapy will be charged at actuals.