User fees will be removed from BMC′s dispensaries and primary health clinics in Mumbai, almost 30 years after being implemented in public healthcare hospitals.

User fees were first implemented in the late 1990s when the World Bank mandated that nations apply them to be eligible for World Bank loans as part of its health sector reforms. It was implemented at all public hospitals around the country, except those below the poverty line. However, studies carried out by NGOs revealed that since the introduction of user fees 20 years ago, the use of public health services has decreased.

All AIIMS leaders announced on Sunday that starting on November 1, all user fees up to Rs 300 and the Rs 10 cost for new OPD cards would no longer be collected. According to Dr. Mangala Gomare, executive health officer for BMC, people won′t be required any fees (Rs 10) for registration and an OPD file. Even investigations will be carried out free of cost. However, the BMC administration must issue a final order in this regard.

But, it was not sure whether hospitals run by states and corporations will follow the same or not. Dr. Neelam Andrade, the BMC′s director of medical education, said the idea had been discussed for the hospitals it manages (including KEM, Sion, and Nair). Still, the decision has not yet been taken.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/soon-bmc-dispensaries-and-clinics-to-not-charge-user-fees/articleshowprint/94631348.cms)