Medical service prices of 16 provincial hospitals increased
The Ministry of Health officially announced the list of 16 provinces and cities that increased medical service prices, including doctor salaries, from August 12, 2016.
Accordingly, 16 provinces and cities adjusted the price of medical services to increase, including: Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Bac Kan, Son La, Tuyen Quang, Cao Bang, Lai Chau, Da Nang, Soc Trang, Hoa Binh, Thua Thien - Hue, Quang Nam, Yen Bai and Lang Son. These are provinces with high health insurance coverage rates, from 86.3 - 98.5% of the population.
These are localities where provincial hospitals add salary costs to medical service prices. Recently, 6 hospitals under the Ministry of Health have become fully financially autonomous, applying prices that include salary costs.
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| 16 provincial hospitals calculate salary costs into medical service prices |
The Ministry of Health said that the 16 provinces mentioned above are the first provinces to increase prices in the second round (effective from August 12, 2016). The first price increase, including additional direct costs and special allowances, has been implemented nationwide since March 1, 2016.
According to the Department of Planning and Finance (Ministry of Health), this second increase in medical service prices, including salary costs (for doctors, staff, employees... in hospitals), is estimated to increase by an average of about 18% compared to the current price. This adjustment of hospital fees applies to 16 provinces and cities with a population participating in health insurance of over 85% and only applies to increased service prices for people with health insurance cards (paid by the Health Insurance Fund when examining and treating patients), so it does not affect people who do not have health insurance cards.
Mr. Nguyen Nam Lien, Director of the Department of Planning and Finance, said that adjusting the price of medical services is to implement the State's major policy, not to increase the cost of performing services, but to transfer the expenses that the State previously directly subsidized for hospitals to support people participating in health insurance.
In addition, after adjusting the service price, the benefits of health insurance card holders are increased, because they do not have to pay extra or buy some supplies not included in the price; hospitals have the conditions to deploy and develop medical techniques, people will benefit and be paid by health insurance right in the area; reduce out-of-pocket expenses and ensure transparency, reducing inconvenience for patients.
“Calculating salary into prices will change the perception of medical staff. Hospitals must provide good service to have revenue to pay salaries and income for staff. This is an important solution to improve morale and service attitude to satisfy patients, gradually improving service quality,” Mr. Lien added.
According to TNO
