Price fix bid irks Thailand's private hospitals
19-May-15, Bangkok Post
Private hospital operators have urged the government to review price control measures amid complaints by patients of over-charging.
![Price fix bid irks Thailands private hospitals (c) Post Today Bangkok Post]](../images/300x200/Price%20fix%20bid%20irks%20Thailands%20private%20hospitals_(c)%20Post%20Today_Bangkok%20Post].jpg "Price fix bid irks Thailands private hospitals (c) Post Today Bangkok Post]")
Image: Post Today / Bangkok Post
The Public Health Ministry's Department of Health Service Support (HSS) met 30 private hospital representatives to find solutions after civic groups complained that patients were being overcharged for services and medicines.
"Medical fees in Thailand's private hospitals are still 25-35% cheaper than Singapore," said Chalerm Harnphanich, president of the Private Hospitals' Association, adding patients could still use one of three healthcare schemes — the Universal Coverage healthcare scheme, Social Security Fund or the Civil Servant Medical Scheme — provided by the government, instead of private hospitals.
The private hospitals at the meeting agreed to discuss price inquiries and set up information booths at hospitals to deal with questions about pricing.