RKS meeting discusses proposed fee hike, citing high cost of surgical equipment; committee to recommend new rates
Shimla: Robotic surgery at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC), Shimla, may become more expensive, while patients may also have to pay for X-ray services that are currently provided free of cost.The decisions were discussed at a meeting of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) on Friday. The hospital administration is preparing to revise the existing charges, citing the rising costs of advanced surgical equipment and other resources.Currently, robotic surgery costs Rs 30,000 for patients admitted to general wards and Rs 50,000 for those in special wards. The hospital has constituted a committee to prepare a proposal for revising the rates. The proposal will be sent to the state government for approval, and the revised charges will come into effect only after clearance.
Robotic surgery rates already increased at Chamiyana hospital
The Atal Super Speciality Hospital at Chamiyana had increased its robotic surgery charges in February. The fee for patients in general wards was raised from Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, while charges for patients in special wards increased from Rs 50,000 to Rs 80,000.IGMC is now considering a similar revision. The hospital administration is also looking at the rates fixed in 2022 as a basis for determining the revised charges.The proposed introduction of fees for X-ray services could also affect patients who have so far been receiving the facility free of cost.
RKS meeting reviews hospital services
The RKS meeting also discussed sanitation arrangements at the hospital. It was decided that the existing sanitation company would continue providing services until the new tender process is completed.The meeting further directed that the contract for transportation of goods within the hospital be renewed at the existing rates.
Shimla Municipal Corporation Mayor Surender Chauhan was also present at the meeting.IGMC is one of Himachal Pradesh’s major healthcare institutions, attracting patients from across the state and neighbouring areas. Any increase in charges for robotic surgery and diagnostic services could add to the financial burden on patients seeking treatment at the hospital.
Robotic surgery offers several benefits
Robotic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that can involve smaller incisions and less blood loss than conventional surgery. Depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition, it may also help speed up recovery and reduce hospital stays. Shorter stays may, in turn, lower the risk of certain hospital-acquired infections.
However, if the proposed revision is approved, patients may have to spend more to access robotic surgery at IGMC. The final charges will depend on the proposal prepared by the hospital administration and the state government’s approval.
