Guwahati: GMCH Increases User Fees After 22 Years
The Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has hiked its user fees, including registration fees, bed charges, and costs for 105 biochemistry tests, effective from Thursday. This adjustment marks the first increase in 22 years, aimed at realigning costs. Dr. Abhijit Sarma, GMCH’s superintendent, stated that the revision is rational, emphasizing that 85% of patients are covered under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), while 10% (government employees) are covered under the Mukhya Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (MMJAY).
However, concerns have been raised about its impact on lower-income groups. Gopinath Baishya, a retired teacher, criticized the significant hike, arguing that the increase from Rs 10-20 to Rs 200-300 is unjustified and burdensome for those without AB-PMJAY cards.
Dr. Sarma acknowledged that around 5% of patients, who are not covered under any scheme, may find it challenging to afford the new fees. To address this, he assured that GMCH would make necessary arrangements for free treatment for these patients. He highlighted that on the interview day, medical expenses for 15 patients had been waived.
Dr. Sarma justified the fee hike as essential for maintaining quality services, which require adequate revenue. The changes affect services ranging from under Rs 100 to Rs 3,000, with GMCH catering to 3,500-4,000 patients daily in its outpatient departments.
In related news, BJ Medical College’s Sassoon General Hospital suspended a junior doctor for forcibly discharging a patient, and Haryana’s Panchkula Pet Animal Medical Centre introduced a dialysis unit for pets to enhance veterinary healthcare. Meanwhile, UK family doctors have voted to limit patient services, protesting against a flawed funding model.
Original Story https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/gmch-hikes-user-fee-patients-need-not-worry/articleshow/112235321.cms
Category :
Tags:
