On Wednesday, Ahmedabad’s designated COVID-19 private hospitals has approached the Gujarat high court against the HC order to the government to restrict them in by not allowing to charge overpriced rates and place a cap on charges. They also complained that any further pressing by HC and government might lead to closing of private hospitals as they won’t be able to meet the necessary treatment costs.

Besides the capping of rates for 50% private beds apart from the beds acquired by the government by the May 14 order by HC,

The Ahmedabad Hospitals & Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) has registered a complaint to the high court’s 22nd May suggestions to the authorities regarding reducing the rates more for treatment of private patients. Sources inform that the authorities have requested private hospitals to decrease their rates by 30%.

AHNA, which is a body of 246 private hospitals and nursing homes, has insisted the HC to recall its orders to the authorities to limit the treatment rates in private hospitals for coronavirus patients on beds other than the 50% acquired by the authorities. It is said that the private hospitals are already treating 50% patients which are referred to them by AMC.

AHNA has claimed that allegations of charging exorbitant price in private hospitals are baseless, opposing to HC’s 14th May order. The petition opposes that because of the cap and the HC order for more cut in charges for private patients, there is a huge pressure on private hospitals.

The petitioner has also challenged to HC’s order of not charging advance deposit from private patients. The petition claims that it would create serious danger and it won’t be possible to bear the burden of such action. It won’t be favorable and also not feasible for private hospitals to provide treatment.

AHNA has said that private hospitals were never asked and informed before taking decisions and fixing these rates, therefore, it should be heard. The HC is expected to hear this petition with suo motu PIL on Friday.

Source: ET Healthworld