/ 11 January 2008

Private health sector to ‘reconsider’ tariffs

The Department of Health will continue holding discussions with private health-sector groups to ”reconsider” the matter of increased hospital tariffs, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang said on Friday.

Addressing journalists in Pretoria following a meeting with private hospital groups CEOs, Tshabalala-Msimang said all parties were willing to reconsider the matter.

”The issue of reconsidering [the matter] is essential,” she said.

The minister said the department would continue holding discussions with individual hospitals.

Medical aid fees have increased by about 9% since implementation in January 1.

Kurt Worrall-Clare of the Hospital Association of South Africa said that it was good that all parties were willing to reconsider tariffs. — Sapa