Meghalaya govt fixes cost for COVID-19 treatment in private hospital

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 21, 2021

The Government of Meghalaya has been taking a number of measures to control and manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the State. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients are being provided free of cost in Government hospitals. In view of the surge in cases, the private hospitals in the State were also directed to keep a number of beds for the treatment of Category “C” and Category “D” COVID-19 patients.

However, a number of public grievances regarding exorbitant rates being charged by certain private hospitals were received. The Government, therefore, constituted a committee to examine the rates of treatment in the private hospitals and to recommend reasonable rates of hospitalization charges.

After going through the Report of the Committee headed by the Director of Health Services (MI), the Government in the Health & Family Welfare Department, in exercise of the powers bestowed under Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1987, hereby notifies the following rates for regulating the prices to be charged by Private Hospitals in providing quality care to COVID-19 Patients.

Basic Laboratory Tests include CBC, KFT, Electrolytes, CRP, D-Dimer, Chest X-ray Urine R/E and ECG.

These rates will be applicable only for COVID-19 treatment. Once patient requires other interventions/treatments, patient will be charged as per hospital rates

These rates will not be applicable for Private or Semi-Private rooms, once opted by the Patient.

The General Ward/Isolation Ward Capacity, HDU, PICU/NICU and ICU capacity will be in accordance to information shared with the office of the DHS (MI) as on 29.06.2021 and the information already available with the Government.

Private Hospitals charging less than the above rates shall continue with such rates.

These rates will be applicable with immediate effect during the COVID-19 pandemic and will remain in force until further notice.

For SECC and PMJAY-MHIS beneficiaries, they would be entitled to the benefits as usual in accordance with the provisions of PMJAY-MHIS and existing procedures laid down to bear the cost of healthcare.