AIIMS conducts survey on user charges
In a survey conducted by a committee of doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on the user fee, doctors have revealed the cumbersome process of accessing the healthcare at the hospital. The study reveals various charges borne by patients visiting the hospital, which include their travel, lodging, and loss of income for the day cost. The study reveals that a Delhi patient has to shell out Rs 1,900 per visit and an out-station patient spends Rs 4,300 per visit.
The study was conducted among 456 patients who visited the out-patient department of the hospital, of which 234 were residents of Delhi, while 222 were outsiders. More than 95 per cent of the patients were accompanied by attendants and more than 25 per cent of the patients were accompanied by two or more attendants, which also increases the cost.
Among the interviewed patients, 63.8 per cent had received a single consultation while 31.9 per cent received multiple consultations.
The survey also highlighted the inconvenient process of accessing various services, which include the first report for the registration at the Patient Reception Centre, despite prior online appointments.After the consultation, the patients encounter long queues for slots or dates for prescribed investigations, …read more
