Guwahati, August 2, 2024 — The state-funded Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), established to provide low-cost healthcare services to the underprivileged, has announced a significant price increase for 107 clinical tests and registration fees, with some tests seeing nearly a 100% hike.
GMCH Superintendent Dr. Abhijit Sarma justified the increase, explaining that the prices were adjusted to align with current market rates while maintaining affordability compared to private establishments. “This is the first time since 2002 that we have raised the prices of tests at GMCH. Despite the hike, our rates remain much lower than outside,” said Dr. Sarma.
Dr. Sarma highlighted that 85% of GMCH’s patients are Ayushman cardholders benefiting from free treatment under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), and 10% are government servants whose costs are reimbursed. This implies that a large portion of the patient base will not be directly affected by the price increase.
Daily, several thousand patients visit GMCH for healthcare, attracted by its quality services despite the state government’s efforts to establish medical colleges in other districts. The price hike, however, may deter those seeking affordable care.
The registration fee for new patients and the per-day bed charge have doubled from Rs 10 to Rs 20. Biochemistry tests have seen a roughly 20% increase, with some tests experiencing even higher hikes. For example, thyroid tests have increased from Rs 600 to Rs 800, D-Dimer tests from Rs 750 to Rs 1,200, and Folate tests from Rs 300 to Rs 900, a 200% hike. Iron Profile tests have risen from Rs 660 to Rs 1,100.
Further increases in test fees across other departments and other government hospitals in the state are expected. This move marks a significant shift in the cost structure of healthcare services provided by GMCH, impacting thousands of patients who rely on its affordable medical care.
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