LAHORE: The Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) has briefed the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the suggestions on charges being observed by the private hospitals in the province.

The briefing was given by PHC Additional Secretary Salwat Saeed, acting CEO Dr Muhammad Mushtaq and Director Dr Anwar Janjua.

The PHC’s comparative studies over provision of standard of services and the dues being charged by the private hospitals were discussed. During the briefing, the PHC officials highlighted their mandate, domain and performance.

NAB Lahore said it wanted to regularise and maintain suitable rates in all private hospitals in accordance with the PHC’s proposals. It asked queries about the grading system of hospitals and doctors as well. It was also discussed that as per the efforts of NAB Lahore, a private lab in Lahore had announced to waive off 50 percent charges of Corona Testing for the senior citizens that was lately extended to all citizens.

NAB also explained that limited resources caused hindrance for public hospitals in provision of quality services while the private sector gained exploited this situation.

The PHC clarified it wanted all the private hospitals to upload their procedural charges along with rooms’ cost on their websites and the same might be displayed on boards of every hospital. It added that fixing rates for procedures for all hospitals might compromise the quality of services.

It also provided NAB with lists comprising proposed charges of surgeons and consultants and for rooms of private hospitals.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2020