Puducherry, 605006.
Understanding Hospital Fees: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients
When it comes to hospital fees and charges, understanding the structure can be complex and often overwhelming for patients. This guide aims to break down the various fees and charges applicable at JIPMER, making it simpler for patients and caregivers to comprehend and navigate.
Categorizing Patients
For general patients with a monthly income below Rs. 2500, outpatient and inpatient investigations and treatments come without any charges. However, cancer patients receive free therapy regardless of their income.
Dental Patients
Regardless of income, dental charges are applicable for all OPD patients.
Special Ward Patients
Patients in special wards will be charged for radiological examinations, investigations, and clinical procedures according to specified charges. The charges vary for different ward classes.
Students, Junior Residents, and Staff
Students, compulsory house surgeons, junior residents, and certain staff members enjoy specific benefits in the form of accommodation, diet, and treatment allowances, depending on their roles.
Eligibility Categories
Various categories determine the eligibility for different wards, based on income, service status, or special affiliations like Green Card holders or retired JIPMER employees.
Special Cases & Exceptions
The hospital considers special cases or technical errors, allowing exemptions or modifications in charges or services under certain circumstances. Patients should consult the medical superintendent for detailed information.
Medicine and Supply Charges
Medicines supplied by the hospital are charged based on usage and are adjusted upon discharge. Charges for medicines for general ward patients are usually free, but exceptions might occur for certain out-of-stock medicines.
Remissions and Special Waivers
The hospital allows special waivers or reductions in fees based on academic or research purposes, with a capped amount for a financial year, following a specific process.
Half-a-Day Charges
Patients admitted after 12:00 noon and discharged before 12:00 noon will have half-a-day charges applied.
Change of Accommodation
In cases where entitled class of accommodation isn't available and admission is deemed urgent, higher class accommodation will be provided temporarily. However, any change from lower to higher classes will require the payment of the difference in charges.
Repetition of Tests
In unavoidable circumstances where repeated tests or diagnosis are needed to reach a correct conclusion, those particular examinations will not be charged to the patient.
Operation and Investigation Charges
The list of operation charges may be modified by the Medical Superintendent in consultation with concerned surgeons if new surgical procedures are added or if existing charges need adjustment.
Medication for Special Ward Patients
For patients in special wards, all medicines must be purchased, though in exceptional circumstances, medicines may be provided for the first 24 hours.
Medication Cost and Supply for General Ward Patients
General ward patients will receive all medicines free of charge. However, patients will have to make arrangements for medicines not stocked in the hospital.
Remission of Fees
In specific instances for academic or research purposes, the Medical Superintendent may waive or reduce fees within a cap not exceeding Rs. 30,000 in a financial year.
Quarterly Reporting
The hospital maintains a register to track instances where fees are waived or reduced for academic, research, or other valid reasons. This information is then reported to the Ministry/Pay and Account Office in Puducherry for transparency.
In any event of confusion or repetition of medical tests due to technical errors, patients are not charged for the re-diagnosis.
For a detailed understanding and specifics, patients are encouraged to consult the medical superintendent or concerned surgeons for tailored guidance or accommodations.
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