The court’s intervention regarding hospital charges presents a significant opportunity for reform. By highlighting the issue, it underscores the need for transparency and fairness in healthcare pricing. This nudges policymakers and healthcare providers to reassess their fee structures and billing practices, potentially paving the way for reforms that prioritize affordability and accessibility for all patients.
Tag: GS – 2 Health, Government Policies & Interventions GS – 3 Government Budgeting
In News: A recent article delves into the escalating healthcare costs in India and underscores the need for healthcare financing reforms that go beyond simple price regulations to achieve affordable hospital care.
Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012
- About
- The Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 were formulated under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, granting authority to the Central Government.
- Appointment of Secretary of the National Council by the Central Government
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare designates a Joint Secretary as the ex-officio Secretary of the National Council for clinical establishments, ensuring coordination and oversight.
- National Council and its Sub-Committees
- The National Council categorizes clinical establishments and forms sub-committees with diverse representation to oversee specific tasks, ensuring a balanced approach.
- Minimum Standards for Medical Diagnostic Laboratories
- Clinical establishments must adhere to specified standards for diagnostic services, ensuring quality and reliability for patients.
- Other Conditions for Registration and Continuation of Clinical Establishments
- Establishments are mandated to display service rates, comply with treatment guidelines, and maintain electronic medical records, enhancing transparency and patient care.
Reasons for Rising Healthcare Costs in India
- Unregulated and Profit-Oriented Health Sector
- Private providers prioritize profits, leading to price inefficiencies and overprovision of care, necessitating regulatory oversight.
- High Out-of-Pocket Expenditures (OOPEs)
- Over half of healthcare costs are borne by individuals, highlighting the need for comprehensive financing reforms.
- Weak Implementation of Laws
- Enforcement challenges hinder effective regulation, impacting care quality and affordability.
- Issues in Capping Medical Devices
- Price caps on medical devices face implementation challenges, failing to address stakeholders’ incentives.
- Corporatization of Healthcare
- Shift towards profit-driven healthcare compromises affordability, necessitating regulatory measures.
- Inadequate Investments in Public Hospitals
- Underinvestment in public healthcare leads to overcrowding and infrastructure deficits, exacerbating costs.
- Inadequate Political Priority
- Healthcare lacks political attention, hindering reforms essential for accessibility and affordability.
Preventive Measures to Control Healthcare Costs
- Formulating Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs)
- STGs can standardize care practices, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost containment.
- Comprehensive Health Financing Reform Strategy
- A holistic reform strategy is needed to align incentives and address systemic inefficiencies.
- Following Models of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan
- Procurement of generics and insurance schemes can reduce costs and improve access to medicines.
- Maintaining Transparency in Rate Standardization
- Transparent rate displays and adherence to government-prescribed rates promote accountability and affordability.
- Preventing Irrational Healthcare Interventions
- Standard protocols can curb unnecessary procedures, improving care quality and reducing costs.
- Implementing Patients’ Rights
- Protecting patients’ rights ensures transparency and accountability in care delivery.
- Controlling Commercialization of Colleges
- Regulating medical colleges’ fees and expanding public education can mitigate commercialization in medical education.
- Reforming National Medical Commission and NEET
- Reforms in medical education and entrance exams can ensure equitable access and quality standards.
Government Initiatives Related to Healthcare
- National Health Mission
- Ayushman Bharat
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
- National Medical Commission
- PM National Dialysis Programme
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK)
- Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK)
- Increased Allocation for Health in Budget 2021
- PM Atmanirbhar Swasth Bharat Scheme
- National Digital Health Mission
- National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Conclusion
Addressing rising healthcare costs requires comprehensive reforms, including standardization, financing strategies, and regulatory measures, to ensure affordability and accessibility for all.
| UPSC Previous Year Questions Prelims (2017) Q. Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers. 2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women. 3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice. 4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) Mains (2021)Q. “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. |
Source: TH
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What prompted the court’s intervention regarding hospital charges?
- The court intervened due to concerns over opaque and potentially unfair hospital billing practices, which were likely causing financial strain on patients.
2. How does the court’s action impact the healthcare system?
- The court’s action sheds light on the need for reform in healthcare pricing, signaling a call for greater transparency and fairness in hospital charges.
3. What reforms could arise from this court intervention?
- Potential reforms could include measures to standardize pricing, increase billing transparency, and implement safeguards against overcharging or surprise fees for patients.
4. What are the potential benefits of reforming hospital charges?
- Reforming hospital charges could lead to improved affordability and accessibility of healthcare services, reducing financial burdens on patients and promoting equitable access to care.
5. How might healthcare providers respond to this nudge from the court?
- Healthcare providers may respond by revising their billing practices, adopting clearer pricing structures, and implementing policies to ensure fair and transparent billing for all patients.
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