PASIN expresses strong protest against the intention to massively remove specialized DRGs from the HIO without consultation
The Pancyprian Association of Private Hospitals (PASIN) expresses strong protest against yesterday’s written notification of all contracted hospitals by the Health Insurance Organisation (HIO) about the intention to remove a large number of specialized DRGs (Diagnosis Related Groups) from the existing list, without prior consultation with PASIN — the collective body representing private hospitals — and without a documented assessment of the impact on hospitals.
Any implementation of the intention of the HIO undermines the financial stability of the health sector and the viability of hospitals offering inpatient care regardless of size, as it completely reverses the planning and investments already made on the basis of the existing framework. Private hospitals have made significant investments in building facilities, modern equipment and machinery, recruitment of specialized staff and configuration of services and structures based on the current financial data and the planned compensation — elements that the HIO intends to unilaterally overturn.
It must also be fully understood that private hospitals operate exclusively with their own resources, without the “cushion” of covering financial losses or deficits by the state. Any decision that suddenly changes their operating framework has immediate and serious consequences on their sustainability. In addition, the lack of prior consultation violates every principle of cooperation and predictability, exposes the HIO and creates serious disruption in the health sector.
PASIN understands that the HIO is trying to re-evaluate the list of specialized DRGs. However, the decision to remove them en masse not only does not solve the problem, but above all does not protect the patients themselves, as it does not ensure that highly specialized services will be provided by hospitals and doctors with the required competence, experience and infrastructure.
Based on the above data, PASIN demands:
- Immediate withdrawal of the HIO’s intention to remove the specialized DRGs.
- Maintain the existing list of specialised DRGs as it stands.
- Initiation of an institutionalized and substantive consultation to find a documented and effective solution that includes:
- definition of the specialised DRGs.
- Which hospitals have the adequacy, experience and infrastructure to handle them safely.
PASIN is immediately coordinating with its Members to examine reaction measures, to contacts with institutional bodies, as well as to publicly highlight the issue, in order to ensure that no decision will be implemented that undermines the operation of private hospitals and the safety of patients.
PASIN remains at the disposal of the HIO for dialogue, but will not accept sudden and unilateral decisions that endanger the health sector and the viability of hospitals.
