PHM-Exch> "Free treatment in the private sector: Myth or Reality? "

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Sama <sama.womenshealth at gmail.com>

As you are aware, the absence of any systematic regulation of the private
sector has witnessed its proliferation and raised serious concerns about
standards of care. Further, the State subsidies in terms of, loans, tax
waivers and other benefits for the setting up of private practice,
hospitals, diagnostic centres and pharmaceuticals. While the expansion of
the private sector is primarily responsible for high and increasing
inequity in access to health care, its internal functioning is riddled with
problems.

Sama has recently concluded a study on the provision of Free Treatment in
limited number of private hospitals in Delhi, which have been provided land
at subsidised rate on the conditionality of    providing a certain
proportion of free services (both OPD 25 per cent and IPD10 per cent)
services to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).  Along with giving a
picture of how such provisions are being implemented, the study also raises
important questions with regard to access to health care services, equity,
patient’s rights, information sharing, the laxity in regulatory mechanism
and the implementation process of existing legislation among other things.
These aspects also point to considerable policy concerns with regard to
poor governance, absence of regulation, evaluation and systems for
accountability of the private sector.

We are happy to share the report based on the pilot study of private
hospitals in Delhi "Free treatment in the private sector: Myth or Reality?"
 which can be an important resource for highlighting these concerns. Please
write to us directly (not on the e forum) if you are interested to acquire
a copy.

-- 
Sama- Resource Group for Women & Health
New Delhi-
website: www.samawomenshealth.org
Blog:http://samawomenshealth.wordpress.com/
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