Private hospitals in Central Visayas eye raise in service fees

CEBU, Philippines - Following the announcement made by several private hospitals in Manila that they would increase their service fees, private hospitals in Central Visayas have signified its intention to also implement the increase here.

Dr. Fidencio Aurelia, vice president of Philippine Hospital Association-Visayas Chapter, said during yesterday’s Kapihan sa PIA that 107 government and private hospitals are expected to meet within the month to discuss the “challenges” brought about by the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Law.

Aurelia, nevertheless, said an increase in service fees can be attributed to other factors, not only because of the ramifications of the Cheaper Medicines Law.

“It could be due to increase in the power and water rates, imposition of importation fees, machines, the cost of re-agents that is increasing, among others,” he said.

Hospital service fees cover, among others, board and lodging (room rates), laboratory fees, consultation fees and even professional fees of doctors and other medical staff.

The Private Hospital Association of the Philippines earlier claimed that private hospitals are losing money due to the imposition of drug price control, thereby “forcing” them to raise their fees.

The Cheaper Medicines Law was implemented two months ago.

But the Health Alliance for Democracy countered that profit, not the Cheaper Medicine Law, is the real reason for the impending increase in hospital rates.

HEAD is a nationwide organization of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, and hospital workers. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)