IMA, Punjab in faceoff over charge regulation

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government and private health facilities in the state are embroiled in a faceoff over the government’s plan to regulate charges of health services provided by private centres, especially for Covid-19 treatment, and its decision to enforce Punjab Clinical Establishments (Registration & Regulation) Ordinance.
Irked with the state government for not paying heed to its demands, the Punjab chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) has announced complete shutdown of private health facilities on June 23. The private health sector caters to about 70% of the population in the state and due to their wide reach and range of health services, the Punjab government needs their support to control the Covid-19 pandemic as it does not have the required resources to tackle the situation on its own.
Taking note of reports of private hospitals allegedly levying exorbitant charges for Covid-19 treatment, Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu had last week warned of strict action against all such hospitals, including cancellation of licences.
HOSPITAL CHARGES
Punjab looking at Telangana model
The Punjab health department is examining the model adopted by states like Telangana for capping treatment costs at private hospitals, Sidhu said on Tuesday. The minister said the ordinance, to come into force from July 1, is for hospitals with 50 and more beds and will have no impact on small setups.
He added the government was willing to resolve genuine issues. “I am holding a meeting with IMA on June 17 and will iron out all issues,” said Sidhu.
Under pressure, private health facilities are willing to work out a mechanism to ensure patients are not overcharged and have offered to display charges. But, they are against a cap on charges for different services. “The government cannot fix charges for services provided by private health centres,” said Dr Paramjit Mann, general secretary, IMA, Punjab. The state government had last month introduced the ordinance with an aim to regulate health facilities for ensuring minimum standards and quality treatment, making registration mandatory for all health centres.
IMA’s Punjab chapter argues that the ordinance was brought without being discussed in state assembly and the government had so far failed to convince them about the benefits of the new regulation. IMA, Punjab contended that doctors and hospitals are already regulated by different laws so there is no need for new regulation which they alleged will encourage inspector raj. Treatment will become costly as health facilities will be forced to invest funds to meet additional standards and the move will also render a large number of people jobless, it added.
“Affordable healthcare services being provided by private health centres will suffer heavily due to ill-conceived decisions of the government,” said Dr Mann, adding that the IMA chapter will start meeting all elected representatives to raise this issue and if the government continues to give them a cold shoulder, private health facilities will shut down on June
23. “Private health facilities stand with the government in the fight against coronavirus. However, the current situation cannot be used to enforce a regulation detrimental to private players,” said Dr Mann.