Doctors appeal to govt to set up fixed rates for post Covid-19 care

The patients in the city are incurring huge expenditure at the private post- Covid recovery clinics regarding blood investigations and scans, thereby persuading the physicians to urge the state expert committee to set up fixed rates for post- Covid treatment, much similar pattern like Covid care.

The demand is a highly challenging one for the state government, as it includes the expense transparency not just for the in-patient stay with treatment in general ward, high dependency units, ICU etc, but also for rates for outpatient procedures, like individual diagnostic tests, regulating post-Covid care in private hospitals.

Presently, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD), is the only government hospital offering post-Covid care.

Vasudev Kolar, a forty year-old, consulted the MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, twice for the post-Covid recovery. He said, “I spent Rs 11,000 on blood test, urine test and consultations. I had no symptoms during my recovery from Covid but came to the clinic to make sure all my parameters are fine. The doctors provided mental support in moving ahead.”

Dr. Ravindra Subbanna, 64, a physiotherapist, revealed his expenditure of Rs. 10,000 for post-Covid treatment. Subbana stated,“I was in the hospital only for three days from July 22 to July 24. I was later quarantined at home. I came to the clinic because I feel tired and experience breathlessness. I spent around Rs. 29,000 on Covid treatment and Rs. 10,000 on post-Covid care.”

Dr. Tharanath S, working at the post-Covid care clinic at MS Ramaiah hospital said, “While Covid treatment cost is being regulated by the government, post-Covid treatment is not. This is something experts have to suggest to the government. Persistent cough and headache would require only symptomatic treatment and perhaps an X-ray or a CT scan while treating serious symptoms like pulmonary thrombosis or fibrosis would cost Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000.”

The minimum charges of Post Covid-care treatment will be around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 7,000, said Dr. Naresh Shetty, the President at MS Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. “All post-Covid patients don’t need the same level care. But I’m sure treatment at Apollo clinics will be affordable,” said Davison P K, Chief Executive Officer, at Apollo Hospitals Group, Karnataka region. Apollo has clinics at Jayanagar, Seshadipuram and Bannerghatta Road for post-Covid care.

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