Private healthcare institutions play a crucial role in the health sector by offering qualified medical services, ensuring patient safety, providing a secure workplace and environment, and safeguarding against the impacts of disasters for patients, their families, and healthcare staff.
It is of utmost importance to continually monitor these institutions to ensure strict adherence to private healthcare laws and bylaws. The Private Healthcare Steering Committee will grant licences to institutions that have met all the requirements within one month.
Currently, the steering committee has approved 5,124 private general clinics, 1,002 specialty clinics, and 270 general hospitals across the country to provide healthcare services. These institutions must prioritize the delivery of high-quality and attentive medical treatments, avoiding any negative impact on patients due to the negligence of healthcare staff. As such, the private health sector has to recruit qualified medical professionals in addition to retired health staff to be deployed in operating private hospitals and clinics to provide safe and sound medical treatment to the people.
Healthcare providers must possess valid medical practitioner licences or nurse-midwifery licences issued by relevant medical or nurse and midwifery councils. Foreign medical doctors and nurses offering part-time services must also obtain a Special Medical Practitioner Licence to guarantee the quality of their services.
Additionally, hospitals and clinics must have adequate facilities for medical treatments, including patient safety measures, quality buildings, 24-hour and emergency services, surgical operation capabilities, labour room services, and laboratory support. Moreover, these institutions need approval from the Department of Food and Drug Administration.
Responsibility lies on them for managing kidney transplants, cardiac operations, and cancer treatments, while adhering to the laws governing organ donations. They are also required to oversee nurse-aid and pharmacological courses. The relevant laws, bylaws, orders, and directives should be periodically updated to keep pace with the country’s progress.
To achieve greater success in the healthcare sector, both government and private sectors must collaborate to enhance the capacity and qualifications of medical professionals. This partnership will result in well-versed health professionals providing comprehensive, safe, and sound medical treatments while minimizing waste and loss. It marks a significant milestone in the nation’s healthcare sector.
Encouraging private healthcare institutions and fostering a collaborative environment between the public and private sectors will lead to improved healthcare services for the people. By adhering to strict regulations and maintaining high standards, these institutions can positively contribute to the overall health and well-being of the nation.
