Reform looms at clinics; officials want to regulate private health costs

Caracas Daily Journal (Jeremy Morgan): The clock is ticking on the government's plan to reform the law on private sector health clinics, even as problems pile up at state hospitals. President Hugo Chavez claims some clinics over-charge their patients on a massive scale, or for treatment they didn't need or never received.

The accusation is denied vehemently by private health proprietors. However, some time ago, the government came up with what it claimed was proof of specific instances of spurious bills and over-charging.

Officials said they'd found cases in which bills presented to patients didn't coincide with the medical records of what treatment had actually been provided, and passed this material on to the Assembly. Spokesmen for the clinics said officials didn't know what they were talking about, and weren't qualified to make judgments.

At least the two sides agree on how long they've got before a reform Bill is sent to the National Assembly (AN). Luis Clavel of the Association of Private Clinics of Venezuela, said Friday the text of the Bill was due to be delivered to the chamber within 60 days.

AN Deputy Tirso Silva, who sits on the health committee at the legislature, concurred with that schedule. Silva indicated the proposal could arrive at the Assembly somewhat sooner. The deadline was a "maximum," he said. Health charges in the private sector are among key items leading the latest surge in inflation. Fees charged by clinics have risen faster than the overall cost of living in the first five months of the year.

Expressed in annual terms, the increase in private health costs is said to be running in excess of 30 percent. Clinics say this partly stems from the high cost of importing equipment and drugs as well as the payroll. Officials say clinics should be regulated just like other sectors of the economy.