Steps taken to check prices of Covid-19 treatment, hoarding of equipment.

ISLAMABAD -- With public-sector hospitals over their capacity and private laboratories and healthcare facilities charging exorbitant prices, the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) and the capital administration have taken measures to bring some relief to patients of Covid-19.

In addition, the capital administration has imposed section 144 on the hoarding of oxygen cylinders and other related equipment, which is now in short supply as the coronavirus continues to spread in the city.

A notification issued by the district magistrate, Hamza Shafgaat, available with Dawn section 144 has been imposed on hoarding and profiteering from oxygen supplies andrelatedmedical devices, such as oxygen cylinders, oxygen regulators, oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters and nasal cannulas, intended for intensive medical care.

According to another notification issued by the IHRA that is available with Dawn, all private hospitals and medical centres have been directed to display hospital rates including, butnot limited to, per-day charges for beds and rooms in isolation wards, high dependency units and intensive care units and ventilator services amid the national healthcare emergency created by the coronavirus pandemic.

`This information shall be displayed on the website and at prominent places in the hospital, especially at reception. In view of above, all private hospitals will be inspected for compliance by IHR A teams to elucidate the status of compliance with the above directives and healthcare services standard requirements of Covid-19. The hospitals not fulfilling the requirements shall be penalised in accordance with the rules, which may include de-registration, sealing the premises or fine and/ or imprisonment etc,` the notification states.

Another IHRA letter said that 50pc of the beds in teaching hospitals will operate free of accommodation and consultation charges, while treatment expenses including laboratory services, medicines and supplies will be charged on a non-profit basis.

IHRA CEO Dr Syed Ali H. Naqvi...