KPME FACTS AND MYTHS
There has been a lot of misreporting by the media about the KPME. We would like to present the facts of the issue and why doctors are opposing it.
1. Media report- KPMEA act is for registration of private hospitals which doctors are against
Fact: doctors already register their clinics, and renew it once every 5 years. This amendment makes it once every 3 years.
Why we oppose: At present, there is already a LICENSE RAJ, where we are forced to run from one office to another, often dealing with bribes and corruption to register our clinics. This amendment will only increase corruption and harassment of doctors.
2. Media report: this amendment helps patients get justice against doctors which is opposed by doctors
Fact : This amendment establishes a district redressal body, made of 6 members, headed by the panchayat head, with only 1 member as a doctor, and others by nonprofessionals. A doctor has to represent himself in case of a complaint, without a lawyer.
Why we oppose:
A) it is not possible for a non medical professional to make judgement on a doctor's decisions. This body will harass doctors and increase corruption.
B) If a doctor has to represent himself for any complaint, who will look after his patients?
C) there are already several bodies for patients to complain, including consumer court, civil court, medical body. Another body is unnecessary and only serves to increase fear in a doctors mind
3. Media report: This amendment is to control corporate hospitals, not small clinics.
Fact: the amendment applies to all private establishments
Why we oppose: small clinics and nursing homes are run. By 1 or 2 doctors, without any management staff. They form the backbone of Healthcare in most rural areas. They will be worst hit by this amendment, and might be forced to shut down, which will be disastrous for the general public
4. Media report: the government is already providing Healthcare at affordable rates. The private sector needs to be regulated
Fact: the government spending on Healthcare is abysmally low. WHO advises spending 10% of GDP. IN INDIA IT IS 1 %. Karnataka has fewer dispensaries per 1000 population than any neighboring state.
Why we oppose: the government has failed in its responsibility to provide good public healthcare. Instead of improving their facilities they are seeking to curb private establishments. This will only lower private establishments to government level.
5. Media report: private hospitals are looting patients and earning huge profits
Fact: most private establishments do not break even for 5-10 years. After that their profits are in single digits. This is in large corporate hospitals. In smaller nursing homes, doctors aim to earn. Enough to pay their staff and give a good future for their children
Why we oppose:
The government offers ZERO subsidies to private medical establishments. We buy land at commercial rates, pay commercial tax, gst, water all ata commercial rates. Industries pay rs 5 per unit for electricity. We pay rs 8 per unit. When the government is not subsidizing us in any manner, what right do they have to set our prices.
Moreover their is a wide variety of services available for the same condition. One. Companys laser machine is 2 lakh, another is 45 lakh. How can both be charged the same? What is the incentive for any hospital to invest in new technology or improve service if the rate charged is the same no matter what. Why should a doctor spend money and go abroad to train, if he has to charge the same as someone doing an inferior procedure? This amounts to communism and cannot be sustained. It will lead to a collapse of the Healthcare industry and that is not an exaggeration.
There has been a lot of misreporting by the media about the KPME. We would like to present the facts of the issue and why doctors are opposing it.
1. Media report- KPMEA act is for registration of private hospitals which doctors are against
Fact: doctors already register their clinics, and renew it once every 5 years. This amendment makes it once every 3 years.
Why we oppose: At present, there is already a LICENSE RAJ, where we are forced to run from one office to another, often dealing with bribes and corruption to register our clinics. This amendment will only increase corruption and harassment of doctors.
2. Media report: this amendment helps patients get justice against doctors which is opposed by doctors
Fact : This amendment establishes a district redressal body, made of 6 members, headed by the panchayat head, with only 1 member as a doctor, and others by nonprofessionals. A doctor has to represent himself in case of a complaint, without a lawyer.
Why we oppose:
A) it is not possible for a non medical professional to make judgement on a doctor's decisions. This body will harass doctors and increase corruption.
B) If a doctor has to represent himself for any complaint, who will look after his patients?
C) there are already several bodies for patients to complain, including consumer court, civil court, medical body. Another body is unnecessary and only serves to increase fear in a doctors mind
3. Media report: This amendment is to control corporate hospitals, not small clinics.
Fact: the amendment applies to all private establishments
Why we oppose: small clinics and nursing homes are run. By 1 or 2 doctors, without any management staff. They form the backbone of Healthcare in most rural areas. They will be worst hit by this amendment, and might be forced to shut down, which will be disastrous for the general public
4. Media report: the government is already providing Healthcare at affordable rates. The private sector needs to be regulated
Fact: the government spending on Healthcare is abysmally low. WHO advises spending 10% of GDP. IN INDIA IT IS 1 %. Karnataka has fewer dispensaries per 1000 population than any neighboring state.
Why we oppose: the government has failed in its responsibility to provide good public healthcare. Instead of improving their facilities they are seeking to curb private establishments. This will only lower private establishments to government level.
5. Media report: private hospitals are looting patients and earning huge profits
Fact: most private establishments do not break even for 5-10 years. After that their profits are in single digits. This is in large corporate hospitals. In smaller nursing homes, doctors aim to earn. Enough to pay their staff and give a good future for their children
Why we oppose:
The government offers ZERO subsidies to private medical establishments. We buy land at commercial rates, pay commercial tax, gst, water all ata commercial rates. Industries pay rs 5 per unit for electricity. We pay rs 8 per unit. When the government is not subsidizing us in any manner, what right do they have to set our prices.
Moreover their is a wide variety of services available for the same condition. One. Companys laser machine is 2 lakh, another is 45 lakh. How can both be charged the same? What is the incentive for any hospital to invest in new technology or improve service if the rate charged is the same no matter what. Why should a doctor spend money and go abroad to train, if he has to charge the same as someone doing an inferior procedure? This amounts to communism and cannot be sustained. It will lead to a collapse of the Healthcare industry and that is not an exaggeration.
We hope the above points clarify the situation and help you understand the seriousness of the issue and the reason for this protest. This is in everyone's interest, not just doctors. Jai. Hind
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