Rates of medical services at government hospitals across the state have been hiked by 30 per cent to double the amount depending on services. The decision regarding this had been announced last month, which came into effect on February 1.

According to officials at Sassoon hospital, the work regarding rate revision had been going on for several years.
In 2007, the government had revised the rates but the move was cancelled following stiff opposition. However taking note of the rising costs of medical care management and overhead expenses, the rates were finally revised this year.

According to Dr Renu Bharadwaj, dean of Sassoon hospital, the rates have gone up by 30 per cent to double depending on services taken. For instance, services such as a new case paper would cost Rs 10 instead of Rs 5 and a cardiac ECG would cost Rs 50 instead of Rs 20. Besides, blood tests, MRI scans and cost of surgeries have risen by more than 30 per cent.

"In cases of surgeries like joint replacement, people used to buy implants from the open market and get it fitted here. Now such implants and devices would be available at the hospital itself. The cost of such specialised services would be high, around Rs 65,000- 70,000," said a doctor.

Dean Dr Renu Bharadwaj said that though charges have been hiked, it should not be blown out of proportion as cost of services are still miniscule compared to private hospitals. "People have not complained to us so far about the revised rates, it is nice to know that they are co-operating with us," said Bharadwaj.

Mangesh Sagat, resident of Hadapsar who had come to the hospital for treatment, said that he did not know the rates were revised. "I paid Rs 10 for case paper, which is not much; I don't know that rates have been doubled."