Challenges and opportunities in setting medical procedure rates in India
As the Supreme Court deliberates on standardising medical procedure rates across government and private sectors, we must consider the allure of affordability.
Yet, imposing one-size-fits-all price caps could severely undermine health-care quality.
A Health Care Management Review study shows that hospitals under financial pressure from price caps report a 15% increase in patient dissatisfaction.
Moreover, such caps could drastically slow the development of new treatments and technologies, notably in fields such as cancer research and robotic surgery, where significant investment is crucial.
Economists recommend dynamic pricing models that adjust based on medical complexity and the financial status of patients, offering a fair solution
Tailoring approaches to accommodate local demographic and economic conditions can support rate standardisation and high-quality care
Technology is revolutionising health care, making diagnostics faster and more accurate with artificial intelligence and improving care coordination through electronic health records.
Moreover, innovations such as mobile health apps and wearable devices are crucial in managing chronic conditions outside hospitals, significantly cutting costs and enhancing patient outcomes
Data analytics can shed light on patient outcomes, treatment efficacy, and cost-efficiency, informing more nuanced rate-setting frameworks
Moreover, predictive analytics could foresee the long-term impacts of rate fixation on health-care innovations, helping policymakers adjust regulations to encourage innovation and accessibility.
Examples of the Joint Commission International (JCI) and NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals)-accredited big hospital groups, have embraced cutting-edge technologies to significantly enhance patient outcomes, especially in complex procedures
Joint Commission International (JCI)
Joint Commission International (JCI) is recognized as a global leader for health care quality of care and patient safety.
Established in 1998 as a division of Joint Commission Resources, Inc. (JCR), a not-for-profit, private affiliate of the Joint Commission, USA
NABH
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers, abbreviated as NABH, is a constituent board of Quality Council of India (QCI), set up to establish and operate accreditation programme for healthcare organizations.
Formed in 2005, it is the principal accreditation for hospitals in India
The official website of QCI should be referred for application and implementation of healthcare standards.
The Quality Council of India works under the guidance of Ministry of Commerce.
NABH performs three main functions:
Accreditation
Certification
Empanelment
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