New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP and BJP National Co-Treasurer Dr. Naresh Bansal has brought to light a pressing concern regarding the exorbitant cost of treatment in private hospitals. Speaking during a Special Mention in Parliament, Dr. Bansal emphasized the lack of standardized rates for medical procedures in the private healthcare sector, which, he said, leaves the common man vulnerable to financial strain.
Highlighting the disparity in treatment costs, Dr. Bansal stated that private hospitals often charge patients arbitrary amounts due to the absence of regulatory policies. “Patients are forced to pay exorbitant sums, pushing many into severe financial distress. This issue arises primarily because private hospitals are not bound by fixed rates like those determined under the CGHS (Central Government Health Scheme) or for government hospitals,” he noted.
Dr. Bansal lauded the government’s efforts in launching programs like the Ayushman Bharat Yojana and the Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana, which have provided significant relief to the underprivileged by covering medical expenses up to ₹5 lakh in both government and private hospitals. He pointed out that these initiatives have been pivotal in ensuring affordable treatment for millions, particularly in states like Uttarakhand, where the "double-engine" government has extended these benefits to all citizens.
Drawing attention to the practices of medical insurance providers, Dr. Bansal remarked, “Mediclaim companies negotiate with private hospitals to secure treatment for policyholders at significantly lower rates. If insurance companies can achieve this, why can’t the government step in to establish a universal pricing framework for private hospitals?” He also pointed out that CGHS rates serve as a benchmark for affordable treatment and could inspire similar standardization across the private healthcare sector.
In his address to the Chairperson, Dr. Bansal urged the government to implement policies to regulate and fix treatment costs in private hospitals. He suggested that comprehensive guidelines should be established, covering all medical procedures, diagnostic tests, and related expenses, to ensure that citizens can access affordable healthcare without financial hardship.
The call for action resonates with the broader sentiment of bridging the gap between healthcare accessibility and affordability, especially in a country where private hospitals cater to a significant portion of the population. The matter now awaits further discussion and deliberation in Parliament.
