Gauhati High Court Directs State Govt To Reconsider Maximum Rates Fixed For COVID Treatment Of Patients In Private Hospitals

Making a prima facie observation that the prices appear to be on a higher side, the Gauhati High Court has directed the State Government to reconsider the maximum rates fixed by it for Covid 19 treatment in private hospitals.

A division bench comprising of Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak ordered thus:

"..prima facie it appears to be slightly on the higher side, we can only direct the State Government that it may reconsider these prices, including the rate of single cabin, after hearing all the stakeholders."

The development came while the Court was dealing with a plea raising issues including: first, exorbitant prices charges by private hospitals while treating covid patients, second, people residing in rural areas must be given oximeters and third, the need for having an online portal for showing availability of beds in the State.

During the course of hearing, a limited prayer was made by the petitioner counsel for reconsideration of the maximum rates fixed by the Government for COVID patients in private hospitals, which according to the petitioner were slightly on the higher side compared to equal cities throughout the country.

Considering the details of the rates charged by Super Speciality Hospitals and non Super Speciality Hospitals including their general ward, share cabin, ICU with or without charges, the Court formed a prima facie opinion that the charges appeared to be on a higher side.

During the previous course of hearing, the Court had directed the State Government to apprise the Court on the measures taken by it till now and also to state the steps it proposes to take on these aspects.

According to the petitioner, it was stated that some of the Hospitals which are admitting COVID patients were charging exorbitant rates and that their rates must be specified and kept. 

Moreover, it was also stated that there must be an online portal by the State which should exhibit on daily basis as to the availability of beds in various hospitals including private hospitals.

The Court will now hear the matter on 15 July.

Title: ADVOCATES ASSOCiATION FOR INDIGENOUS RIGHTS OF ASSAMESE AND ONE OTHER

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