Telangana: Network Hospitals Seek Role In New EHS Policy
Several issues in the earlier EHS system had affected its implementation: The association
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Network Hospitals Association (Tanha) has sought a role in the formulation and implementation of the new Employees Health Scheme (EHS) stating that their participation is necessary for the scheme to function effectively.
Tanha, representing hospitals providing services under EHS, such as the Journalists Health Scheme and other government health schemes, welcomed the proposed setting up of the Employee Health Care Trust to provide healthcare to government employees, pensioners and their dependents. It also welcomed the discussions that are being held by authorities with stakeholders to address issues in the existing system.
The association said several issues in the earlier EHS system had affected its implementation. These included limited consultation with network hospitals, while framing the policy, a limited beneficiary base, lack of a scientific method for fixing treatment package rates, inadequate mechanisms for revising rates and problems arising during implementation.
Tanha also said network hospitals providing services under the public-private partnership model had limited representation in policy and decision-making.
Tanha said the long delay in payments towards Aarogyasri claims to several network hospitals was placing a financial burden on hospitals and could affect the continuation of some services. The association estimated that dues had accumulated for around 14-15 months and put the amount at about ₹2,000-₹2,500 crore.
The association also called for treatment package rates to be fixed scientifically, taking into account actual treatment costs, human resources, medicines, equipment, infrastructure and other expenses.
