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Published on July 30, 2007

A senior ministry source said last week that the government wanted to end the practice in private hospitals of charging excessive pharmacy fees.

It started with 200 commonly prescribed treatments.

But the government has another 12,000 generally prescribed drugs and 882 generic drugs in its sights. The first 200 are variously made here and overseas.

The source said standard prices would ensure private hospitals did not mark up charges.

Standard pricing was considered in June after many complaints from patients.

According to an Internal Trade Department survey, private-hospital margins were as much as 200 per cent.

Department staff will make weekly checks of private-hospital pharmacies to enforce standard pricing.

The source said overcharging hospitals would be prosecuted under the Products and Service Price Control Act. Offenders face fines up to Bt140,000 and/or seven years in jail.

The department must approve price increases 15 days in advance.

The Public Health Ministry will monitor private-hospital service charges.

Petchanet Pratruangkrai

The Nation