New AIIMS, GMCs upgradations to offer affordable and quality health services: Health Minister

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukha Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha that the Central government is setting up new AIIMS and upgrading various Government Medical Colleges to provide affordable and quality health care facilities.

While answering the question "whether the Government is aware of the high cost of healthcare and abnormally high rates being charged by private hospitals from distressed patients", Union Health Minister Dr Mansukha Mandaviya stated in the Lok Sabha that details of such cases are not maintained by the Centre but the government is already creating new AIIMS across the country and also upgrading the various Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana to provide affordable and quality health care services.

He stated, " Hospital services are part of the integrated health services which are regulated by the State Government concerned. As per the report of National Sample Survey 71st Round conducted by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) from January to June 2014, the average medical expenditure per hospitalization in private hospitals was more as compared to Government Hospitals. It is, however, the responsibility of the State Government to take cognizance of instances of unreasonable charges by the private hospitals and take action to prevent and control such practices. Details of such cases are not maintained centrally."

The state governments have also been supported in setting up new medical colleges and increasing the number of medical seats in their respective states. Centre has provided technical and financial support under the National Health Mission (NHM) to States/UTs for strengthening the healthcare systems of these states, he added.

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