No fixed rates for consultation levied by private medical practitioners: Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Sept 29: The Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that it has not prescribed any uniform or fixed rates for consultation or follow-up charges levied by private medical practitioners and specialists across J&K.

The disclosure was made by the Health and Medical Education Department in reply to a starred question tabled by MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad regarding consultation fees and charges.

The Government said it was cognisant of the importance of ensuring transparency and safeguarding the interests of patients availing healthcare services in private clinical establishments.

It said the issue of consultation and follow-up charges by private medical practitioners and specialists may be examined within the existing legal and regulatory framework.

"Wherever considered appropriate," the Government said, suitable guidelines or measures could be contemplated to promote transparency in the display and communication of charges.

However, it made it clear that at present, no uniform consultation or follow-up fee structure has been prescribed by the Government for private medical practitioners and specialists.

The reply did not provide any prescribed ceiling or standard rate for consultation or follow-up visits at private medical establishments.