Odisha Govt warns hospitals against charging patients for pre and post hospitalisation care
Bhubaneswar- The Odisha State Government's State Health Assurance Society (SHAS) has directed all hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) not to charge beneficiaries for any pre- and post-hospitalisation services covered under the schemes.
The advisory was issued by SHAS Chief Executive Dr Brundha D following reports that some empanelled hospitals were allegedly charging patients for diagnostic tests and other services prior to admission and after discharge.
According to the New Indian Express report, SHAS, in its advisory, has stated that under the scheme's guidelines, the package cost includes expenses incurred on consultations, diagnostic tests, and medicines for up to three days prior to admission to the same hospital.
Similarly, expenses incurred for up to 15 days after discharge from the hospital, including consultations, medicines, diagnostic tests, and post-operative care, are covered.
The advisory also stated that in cases of surgery, post-operative complications related to the treatment and any re-admissions associated with the original procedure should also be covered under the existing package cost.
Therefore, hospitals have been instructed to arrange for and provide essential medicines, follow-up consultations, and diagnostic tests free of charge during this period. Consequently, beneficiaries should not be asked to pay for any such services.
SHAS has directed all empanelled hospitals to strictly adhere to the scheme's rules and not charge beneficiaries for any service included in the approved packages. It has been warned that any violation of these rules will be viewed seriously, and appropriate action will be taken.
Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling conducted surprise inspections of two private hospitals in the city on Saturday to check whether they were complying with the advisory.
The Minister also inquired about the functioning of the help desk and directed the hospital management to ensure that patients are treated with respect and provided with timely and appropriate medical care.
