Self-regulation by doctors is the best solution, says former Supreme Court judge

Former Supreme Court judge N. Santosh Hegde while recently addressing the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association is reported to have reinforced the message of maintaining transparency in the hospital-patient relationship. This, he said, can be achieved by following self-regulation by doctors in private healthcare system at the best.

Justice Hegde said this in lieu of his strong concern over irregularities observed in the private healthcare system; apex bodies like Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (PHANA) should ensure self-governance for public interest by the medical fraternity, as implied by his public statement.

The session also deliberated on issues faced by private hospitals and nursing homes on streamlining and standardising services and procedures, taking further cognizance of the fact.

"No need for external agency to regulate or monitor private healthcare system if doctors and nurses can maintain transparency when treating patients," Hegde said at the plenary session of the Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association here.

"When policies are framed keeping public interest (in mind), what is achieved will be phenomenal without the intervention of the state," Hegde said.

With private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes meeting about 80 percent of the nation's healthcare needs, their managements have the responsibility to provide quality healthcare at affordable cost.

"We will set up an official chapter in each of the 30 districts across Karnataka to initiate measures for ethical conduct, healthcare standards and quality healthcare options to patients," association president Nagendra Swami said.

"We cater to all healthcare stakeholders in the well being of patients than protecting and safeguarding interests of private hospitals and nursing homes," association vice-president C. Jayanna said on the occasion.