States seek more time for standard rates at hospitals
States and Union Territories have sought more time and wider consultations with all stakeholders including private hospitals, to proceed further on the Supreme Court's February directive to the Central government to work out standard rates for medical procedures and services, according to an affidavit the government filed in the apex court Monday.
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a plea by an association of doctors and hospitals that questioned the government's move to prescribe rates for all hospitals. The matter is slated for hearing on September 10.
In response to a public interest litigation filed by an NGO, the apex court had directed the Central government to come up with a concrete proposal specifying standard rates, in consultation with states. The court had warned of applying Central Government Health Scheme rates for treatment services at private facilities until standardised rates were set.
The order has led to widespread panic among private hospitals and investors, since standardisation of rates could substantially affect the revenue and commercial viability of hospital operations. Subsequently, healthcare providers wrote to the health ministry and the court, raising their concerns.
During the discussions held by the central government, while some states called for more consultations, others expressed concerns that fixing rates may compromise quality of healthcare and make healthcare setups not viable.
The government in its affidavit said states and UTs that were part of the Clinical
