FE: Current regulatory framework for healthcare insufficient: experts: March 30, 2008

Corporate Bureau…..Mumbai

 

IN a panel discussion that preceded the ‘Express Healthcare Excellence Awards’ on Friday evening, experts from the healthcare and medical fraternity discussed various issues ranging from the concessions extendedtothepoorstrataofsociety by charitable hospitals, to the need for monitoring the quality of education being shared with the medical students.

Vivek Desai, MD of HOSMAC India Private Limited, a leading hospital consultancy firm, who was the moderator for the panel discussion titled Does Private Healthcare Need Further Regulation, in his opening remarks said, “Due to the rapid growth in the sector, the current regulatory framework governing it is insufficient.”

Echoing Desai’s statements, Fortis Healthcare Limited president Daljeet Singh, one of the panelists, said the term ‘concession’ is not defined properly. “It is very difficult for hospitals to comprehend what concession is available on facilities provided to patients. It is largely unclear whether the concession is available on hospital bed, medical equipment or services.”

Giving his suggestion, Prakash Doke, director of Maharashtra Health Services, said, “There should be a proper chart displayed at the hospital premises informing patients about the concession rates on any facility. This will ensure there will be common rates at all the public hospitals. ”

Taking the discussion further, Colonel Manish Masand, CEO of Jaslok Hospital and Research Center, complained that despite paying 2% of the annual revenue to the charity commissioner, hospitals are not left alone. “We do not get any subsidies,” he lamented. ” There is no clarity in what a charitable hospital is supposed to do,” said Wockhardt Hospitals CEO Vishal Bali.

Amar Jesani, founder of Indian Journal of Medical Ethics, said quality medical care should be accessible to the poor.

Excellence in patient care: Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad

Operational excellence: Apollo Hospital, Chennai

Sustained growth: Apollo Hospital, Hyderabad.

Innovative marketing practices: Max Super Specialty Hospital

Inspirational workplace: BM Birla Heart Research Centre

Corporate social responsibility: Tata Memorial Hospital

Leveraging global opportunity: Apollo Speciality Hospital

Best managed healthcare programme: Max Super Speciality Hospital

Overall best hospital of the year (corporate): Apollo Hospital, Chennai

Overall best hospital of the year (non-corporate): Sir Gangaram hospital, New Delhi

Best healthcare leader of the year (editor’s choice): Vishal Bali, CEO and MD, Wockhardt Hospitals

Most promising startup healthcare company of the year (editor’s choice): Artemis Healthcare

Lifetime achievement award: Padmashree B Soma Raju, chairman, Care Hospital

URL: http://epaper.financialexpress.com/Default.aspx?selpg=1389&selDt=03/30/2008&BMode=100