40 years after the Bangladesh government first fixed private healthcare service fees, the Ministry of Health has decided to re-fix them, including treatment and pathology costs. It is also making it compulsory for all healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to be registered.
The service rates were initially fixed through the Medical Practice and Private Clinics and Laboratories (regulation) Ordinance 1982. However, the private sector did not follow that rate for long due to various complications.
It has been 40 years since the prices were fixed and so it was a timely need to re-fix them so that they can be implemented properly, says the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The DGHS has been instructed to form a committee to oversee the matter. The rate will be decided based on the investment cost of machineries and services.
Hospitals will be categorised depending on the bed numbers and on services offered, and the fees will be fixed according to these categories.
The Ministry of Health is also making it compulsory for all healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, to be registered. The Hospital Owners Association has objected but been ignored.
The Bangladesh Private Medical College Association welcomes the government’s initiative to re-fix service fees as it says it will remove any misunderstanding over service fees.
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