Hospitals which do not make attempts to improve services after the recent hospital fee increase will face punishments, said the minister of Health.
Government tightens control over hospitals
According to the new directives, hospitals must spend 15% of their income to improve their facilities and services.
Though the hospital fees have increased for 447 services so that medical facilities could upgrade and replace their equipment, people still complain about services, saying they are not worth the increased fees.
In response, the Minister of Health has ordered directors of local departments of health to inspect hospitals, and either reward or punish as is necessary. They will review the work of health care employees and suggest ways to improve services.
Hospitals and health care providers are required to publicly list their prices. Examination rooms, pharmacies and cashier counters are also required to decrease waiting time.
Diagnosis and admission procedures, such as tests and examinations, must also be upgraded with newer technology and functional equipment to meet the new requirements.
The ministry also requested that hospitals restrict the number of patients they admit so that beds do not have to be shared, and that they use their increased funds wisely, in the best interest of patients.
