Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court has directed the central government to swiftly establish uniform hospital treatment charges, aiming to streamline the cashless health insurance system.
- The court’s decision follows a PIL urging for standardized fees nationwide.
- The general insurance industry, which heavily relies on health premiums, awaits the outcome, hoping for standardization to facilitate the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ scheme.
- The PIL cited disparities in treatment costs, ranging from private hospitals to government facilities.
- Despite the Central Government’s efforts to establish rates, responses from state governments and union territories have been lacking.
With over 40,000 registered hospitals in India, the decision aims to benefit over 30 crore health insurance policyholders by offering cashless services.
