Audit Calls for Fair Pricing and Stricter Regulations in Sri Lanka’s Private Hospitals

A recent audit report has urged the Sri Lankan government to reform the private healthcare sector by introducing fair pricing mechanisms, strict regulatory standards, and better accountability systems to ensure quality and affordability for all patients.

An audit report has highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Sri Lanka’s private healthcare system, calling for a fair and affordable pricing structure along with the proper grading of all private medical institutions across the country.

According to the findings, there should be a formal and transparent methodology to set, monitor, and evaluate standards for all registered private hospitals and clinics. The report emphasizes that staff recruitment must follow strict qualification criteria, ensuring that medical professionals meet national standards and receive proper training to maintain high-quality patient care.

The audit further recommends that these standards be legalized and enforced by the authorities to ensure consistency and accountability within the sector. It also proposes that national recruitment criteria be made mandatory when hiring healthcare professionals to prevent disparities and maintain professional integrity.

Additionally, the report calls for the creation of a formal mechanism to address public complaints against private hospitals. This includes the development of an online platform where patients can submit grievances and track the progress of their complaints to ensure timely and fair resolution.

A senior Health Ministry official told Daily Mirror that although the Minister has given special attention to tightening the monitoring of private health institutions, the proposed system has not yet been implemented.

If put into action, these recommendations could lead to a more transparent, ethical, and patient-centered private healthcare system in Sri Lanka.