The Indian Medical Association or IMA has reportedly rejected the rates announced by the centre for coronary bypass, knee replacements and stents. The centre had promised to provide packaged services for these medical problems at 15-20 percent cheaper rates under Modicare than those under Central Government Health Scheme.

According to a news report in The Times of India, the tender document that was shared with the state governments last month said that knee and hip replacement surgeries can be provided at a nominal rate of Rs. 9000. Stenting procedure can be done for Rs. 40,000, coronary artery bypass grafting will be provided at Rs. 1.10 lakh and vertebral angioplasty with a single stent at Rs. 50,000. C-sections will be done at Rs. 9000 and hysterectomy for cancer will be at Rs. 50,000.

The press note released by the IMA states that the association convened on June 24 and has rejected these rates, calling the government's move as "unacceptable." Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, the chairman of the advisory committee of IMA stated that such low rates will compromise the quality of the services that are provided in the hospitals. The association also objected to the insurance model of Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission, demanding an exclusive trust model instead.

Dr. Wankhedkar, the president of IMA, said that even at a marginal profit of 15 percent, crores of rupees will go into the pockets of the third party. The doctor stressed that all stakeholders, including private players and the IMA, should be consulted to keep the healthcare delivery system from imploding. The association has, however, has lauded the centre's decision to empanel the hospitals from 10 beds and more.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2018 11:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).