Ceiling on charges for surgical operations, scans and lab tests

A ceiling on charges for surgical operations and scans at private hospitals will be enforced soon, the Health Ministry has decided.

Health Services Director General Palitha Mahipala told the Sunday Times that the required regulations would be gazetted under a Health Act through which private hospitals could be regulated.

He said the Government believed such a move was necessary in view of growing complaints of exorbitant charges for surgical operations at private hospitals.

Dr. Mahipala said the objective was to ensure that innocent and unsuspecting patients were treated in a fair and just manner. He said that in terms of the regulations, ahead of the operations, the patients would be made aware of the amount they would have to pay and prepare accordingly.

Discussions between Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne and private hospital officials had been held and more talks would be held to finalise the charges, he said.

The Director General said a committee comprising representatives from the Health Ministry and the private hospital sector would be appointed to fix a ceiling on the cost of surgical operations. Minister Senaratne said he hoped to introduce the regulations within two months.

Other regulations would be imposed to cover the maximum cost of more than 3 laboratory tests, ensure that the surgeon remains for at least one hour after the operation, and to fix the consultancy fees at a maximum of Rs. 2,000 and hospital charges at Rs. 500 a day.