SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has not prescribed any uniform or fixed rates for consultation and follow-up charges levied by private medical practitioners and specialists across the Union Territory.
The Health and Medical Education Department stated this in response to Starred D. No. 1/6/245, tabled by MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, regarding consultation fees and charges in private healthcare establishments.
The Government said it was aware of the need to ensure transparency and protect patients’ interests while accessing healthcare services in private clinical establishments.
It said the issue of consultation and follow-up charges could be examined under the existing legal and regulatory framework. Where considered appropriate, the Government said, suitable guidelines or other measures could be contemplated to improve transparency in the display and communication of charges.
However, the department made it clear that no uniform consultation or follow-up fee structure is currently in place for private medical practitioners and specialists in J&K.
The response was signed by the Minister in Charge, Health and Medical Education Department, and the Deputy Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department.
