Govt to fix service charges for private hospitals: Minister

The government is planning to fix the charges of services provided by private hospitals and health clinics, Health Minister Zahid Malik said Monday, reports UNB.

"It's a complex process but once implemented, it'll help ensure that the service seekers aren't cheated," he told a media conference at the Secretariat ahead of the National Health Service Week.

The minister said the fees are already fixed at public hospitals. The private hospitals have been asked to submit a list of service fees. The government will then grade the quality of services and finalise the chart.

"It's difficult to fix the rates ... [but] we'll find out a way after talks with stakeholders," he said. "We're trying to cut the treatment costs."

He said the National Health Services Week, scheduled for April 16-20, aims at raising awareness about health. The programmes include cleanliness drives, free medical treatment, special medical services and special outdoor services by specialist doctors.