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by Professor Dasan Swaminathan
I am deeply troubled by the escalating cost of health insurance premiums, which has become a significant burden for policyholders. Many individuals and families are struggling to keep up with these rising expenses, making access to quality healthcare increasingly difficult.
Insurance companies often attribute these premium hikes to the growing costs of medical treatments, which they claim necessitate periodic adjustments.
This pressing issue demands immediate attention from policymakers to strike a fair balance among all stakeholders: insurance providers, policyholders, and healthcare providers.
One promising avenue is to make private healthcare services more affordable, ensuring equitable access for the public while preserving financial sustainability.
A particularly innovative solution lies in enhancing the role of government hospitals by introducing more private wings. These private wings could provide cost-effective services to insured and paying patients while leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of public-sector healthcare providers. To implement this effectively, the following steps are crucial:
1. Upgrade Facilities: Modernise government hospitals to meet the expectations of insured patients and match private-sector standards.
2. Attract Specialists: Offer competitive remuneration to healthcare professionals, incentivising their participation in this initiative.
3. Ensure Cost-Effectiveness: Deliver services at rates significantly more affordable than private-sector offerings.
This model has already proven successful in teaching institutions and if expanded nationwide, could provide a sustainable alternative for policyholders and healthcare providers alike.
Importantly, such government-led initiatives are not meant to compete with the private sector but to offer citizens more cost-effective options to address their healthcare needs.
The time to act is now. By taking decisive action and fostering collaboration, we can create an inclusive and equitable healthcare system that prioritises the well-being of all citizens while ensuring its long-term viability.
Professor Dasan Swaminathan is a retired consultant periodontist, specialist dental surgeon and an advocate for proper healthcare for all
WE