SVP Hosp opens doors to pvt docs to boost patient numbers

Ahmedabad: The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Hospital is all set to allow private doctors to use its facilities to treat patients. Under the facility user model, 25 private doctors will admit their patients to the hospital, carry out surgeries and provide treatment.
The hospital, which was built by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation for Rs 800 crore, has been experiencing a steady decline in the number of indoor patients seeking treatment.To tackle this issue and boost patient numbers, the hospital management has decided to collaborate with private doctors. Under the new model, the Medical Education Trust, responsible for managing SVP Hospital, has entered into agreements with more than 25 private doctors in the city. These doctors can now admit their patients to SVP Hospital for treatment.
Inaugurated in Jan 2019, the hospital has been struggling with low patient numbers even with its 1600-bed capacity. The AMC has made efforts over the past two years to attract more patients by offering discounted rates for various tests and implementing state govt schemes. However, these measures have done little to improve the situation.
An AMC official said on condition of anonymity, "The hospital is implementing the facility user model. Many doctors in Ahmedabad have patients but lack medical facilities. They admit their patients to private hospitals and provide treatment under agreements with these hospitals.
Similarly, the SVP Hospital has signed agreements with over 25 doctors who will admit their patients there. These doctors will visit their patients twice a day and perform surgeries in the hospital. All expenses for these patients will be borne by SVP Hospital, including bed charges, medicines and tests, while the doctors will be paid their fees. However, doctors cannot admit patients from the hospital's OPD under the model."
The official further stated, "The aim behind implementing the model at SVP Hospital is to increase the number of patients seeking treatment. Private doctors can admit patients with Ayushman cards or Mediclaim to the hospital. Cashless facilities will also be provided to patients. Plans are on the anvil to sign memorandum of agreement with more doctors under the model."