Can Kerala reduce its medical bills? | Onmanorama Explains

Kerala government is about to table a Bill in the Assembly to rationalise private hospital expenses. The Supreme Court, too, has recently expressed serious concern about the irrationally high MRPs fixed for non-scheduled drugs prescribed for various illnesses including cancer and diabetes. However, any regulation of the health industry is fraught with risks.

A perceived drop in profitability could prompt investors to abandon this crucial sector. Patients and their families should be saved from the devastating impact of hospital costs but, at the same time, the health sector should continue to attract investment.

Can Kerala strike a balance?