It may not have gone down well with the medical fraternity that the state government wants them to display their consultancy fees or charges of medical procedures performed in their clinics, nursing homes or hospitals but health activists and patients have applauded the move. Health activists feel this move will help the patients and relatives to be in know-how of doctors charges before consultation.
On, July 14, dna had reported that doctors may have to display consultation fees outside clinics. The state health department is considering making certain amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, that will make it compulsory for all doctors in the state to display their consultation fees and other charges outside clinics.
"This is a good move by the government and there is no reason to take objection to this move. In today's scenario, doctor's offer services to patient in the market so what is wrong in displaying their charges. Patients should be aware before consultation this doctors as to how much they charge. I don't understand their reluctance. Abroad patients are aware of all the charges before the consultation." said Ravi Duggal, city-based senior public health expert.
"Not only should the fees be displayed but the government should fix the doctors' charges for medical procedure and consultation," he added.
There are some corporate hospitals which offer their rate cards while admitting patients in the hospital. But normally it is not followed in the small nursing home and clinics.
"There is nothing wrong in displaying the charges on notice board. It will help to maintain transparency. Patient should know doctors charges before the consultation and they will get an idea about their bills well before undergoing any kind of medical procedure. In my nursing home we display the charges of consultation and all doctors should follow this move." Dr Nikhil Datar, a senior gynaecologist, who is also the president of Patient Safety Alliance, an NGO for patient care.
If the rules are added in new law it will be implemented for all doctors practicing across the state including, allopathy, ayurveda and homeopathy.
"This is a really good move. It will help the patient's family, as before getting admitted or consulting the doctors they will came to know about the treatment expenses. Nowadays, this is a bigger concern than treatment. Several time people get shocked after seeing the bill. State health department should implement this rule across the state. It will be a great relief to the patient's family," Mahesh Katkar, a resident of Bhandup.
He added, "Once patients' families know the charges of doctors, according to their affordability, they will approach the doctor for treatment.
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