NONTHABURI, June 18 (TNA) – The director-general of the Internal Trade Department invited representatives of 353 private hospitals to acknowledge regulations and punishments related to control on the price of their drug, medical supplies and services.
Whichai Phochanakij, director-general of the department, said the operators were informed of the regulatory announcement of the Committee on the Price of Goods and Services which took effect on May 29.
The announcement required private hospitals and the manufacturers, importers and distributors of medicines and medical supplies to declare the costs and prices of their medicines, medical supplies and medical services listed for the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients. The requirement would be expanded to cover all locally registered medicines in the future, he said.
If private hospitals want to change the prices of their medicines, they must inform the Internal Trade Department of the change beforehand.
Violations to the regulations carry a jail term of up to one year and/or a fine of up to 20,000 baht and are also subject to a daily fine of up to 2,000 baht during the time of the offence, Mr Whichai said.
The provision of unnecessary treatment services and overcharged service fees carries a jail term of up to seven years and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht.
The department ordered private hospitals to declare the costs of their medicines within July 12 and hospitals would have to adjust the prices of their medicines to appropriate levels. The prices of medicines must not include the costs of facilities, pharmacists and insurance for drug allergies, Mr Whichai said. (TNA)
