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Chugh Y, Sharma S, Mehndiratta A, Sharma D, Garg B, Prinja S, Guinness L. Health care cost accounting in the Indian hospital sector. Health Policy Plan 2024; 39:731-740. [PMID: 38813665 PMCID: PMC11308608 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czae040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Setting reimbursement rates in national insurance schemes requires robust cost data. Collecting provider-generated cost accounting information is a potential mechanism for improving the cost evidence. To inform strategies for obtaining cost data to set reimbursement rates, this analysis aims to describe the role of cost accounting in public and private health sectors in India and describe the importance, perceived barriers and facilitators to improving cost accounting systems. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 key informants. The interview tool guide was informed by a review of published and grey literature and government websites. The interviews were recorded as both audio and video and transcribed. A thematic coding framework was developed for the analysis. Multiple discussions were held to add, delete, classify or merge the themes. The themes identified were as follows: the status of cost accounting in the Indian hospital sector, legal and regulatory requirements for cost reporting, challenges to implementing cost accounting and recommendations for improving cost reporting by health care providers. The findings indicate that the sector lacks maturity in cost accounting due to a lack of understanding of its benefits, limited capacity and weak enforcement of cost reporting regulations. Providers recognize the value of cost analysis for investment decisions but have mixed opinions on the willingness to gather and report cost information, citing resource constraints and a lack of trust in payers. Additionally, heterogeneity among providers will require tailored approaches in developing cost accounting reporting frameworks and regulations. Health care cost accounting systems in India are rudimentary with a few exceptions, raising questions about how to source these data sustainably. Strengthening cost accounting systems in India will require standardized data formats, integrated into existing data management systems, that both meet the needs of policy makers and are acceptable to hospital providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Chugh
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Shuchita Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Abha Mehndiratta
- Global Health Policy Program, Center for Global Development, Europe, Great College St, London SW1P 3SE, United Kingdom
| | - Deepshikha Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Basant Garg
- Government of India, National Health Authority, Tower-L, Jeevan Bharti, Janpath, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector 12, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Global Health Policy Program, Center for Global Development, Europe, Great College St, London SW1P 3SE, United Kingdom
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Masurkar PP. Addressing the need for economic evaluation of cardiovascular medical devices in India. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102677. [PMID: 38795804 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2024.102677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
This article emphasizes the pivotal role of economic evaluation in the management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) within the Indian healthcare system. It explores the importance of economic evaluation methodologies such as cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis in guiding informed healthcare decisions related to CVD management. Additionally, it discusses the unique challenges and opportunities surrounding health technology assessment (HTA) and economic evaluation specific to India, providing insights into potential areas for improvement. By giving precedence to economic evaluation, India can optimize the allocation of resources, improve patient outcomes, and alleviate the economic burden associated with CVDs. The implementation of these recommendations has the potential to significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of CVD management strategies in India, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes for the population.
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Sharma D, Chauhan AS, Guinness L, Mehndiratta A, Dhiman A, Singh M, Prinja S. Understanding the extent of economic evidence usage for informing policy decisions in the context of India's national health insurance scheme: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY). BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e015079. [PMID: 38857943 PMCID: PMC11168173 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2024-015079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is one of the world's largest tax-funded insurance schemes. The present study was conducted to understand the decision-making process around the evolution (and revision) of health benefit packages (HBPs) and reimbursement rates within PM-JAY, with a specific focus on assessing the extent of use of economic evidence and role of various stakeholders in shaping these policy decisions. METHODS A mixed-methods study was adopted involving in-depth interviews with seven key stakeholders involved in HBP design and reimbursement rates decisions, and a survey of 80 government staff and other relevant stakeholders engaged in the implementation of PM-JAY. The data gathered were thematically analysed, and a coding framework was developed to explore specific themes. Additionally, publicly available documents were reviewed to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the decision-making processes. RESULTS Findings reveal a progressive transition towards evidence-based practices for policy decisions within PM-JAY. The initial version of HBP relied heavily on key criteria like disease burden, utilisation rates, and out-of-pocket expenditures, along with clinical opinion in shaping decisions around the inclusion of services in the HBP and setting reimbursement rates. Revised HBPs were informed based on evidence from a national-level costing study and broader stakeholder consultations. The use of health economic evidence increased with each additional revision with consideration of health technology assessment (HTA) evidence for some packages and reimbursement rates based on empirical cost evidence in the most recent update. The establishment of the Health Financing and Technology Assessment unit further signifies the use of evidence-based policymaking within PM-JAY. However, challenges persist, notably with regard to staff capacity and understanding of HTA principles, necessitating ongoing education and training initiatives. CONCLUSION While substantial progress has been made in transitioning towards evidence-based practices within PM-JAY, sustained efforts and political commitment are required for the ongoing systematisation of processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepshikha Sharma
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Akashdeep Singh Chauhan
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Prinja S, Chugh Y, Garg B, Guinness L. National hospital costing systems matter for universal healthcare: the India PM-JAY experience. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e012987. [PMID: 37963613 PMCID: PMC10649618 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-012987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
India envisions achieving universal health coverage to provide its people with access to affordable quality health services. A breakthrough effort in this direction has been the launch of the world's largest health assurance scheme Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, the implementation of which resides with the National Health Authority. Appropriate provider payment systems and reimbursement rates are an important element for the success of PM-JAY, which in turn relies on robust cost evidence to support pricing decisions. Since the launch of PM-JAY, the health benefits package and provider payment rates have undergone a series of revisions. At the outset, there was a relative lack of cost data. Later revisions relied on health facility costing studies, and now there is an initiative to establish a national hospital costing system relying on provider-generated data. Lessons from PM-JAY experience show that the success of such cost systems to ensure regular and routine generation of evidence is contingent on integrating with existing billing or patient information systems or management information systems, which digitise similar information on resource consumption without any additional data entry effort. Therefore, there is a need to focus on building sustainable mechanisms for setting up systems for generating accurate cost data rather than relying on resource-intensive studies for cost data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Yashika Chugh
- Department of Community Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Basant Garg
- National Health Authority, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Lorna Guinness
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Sinha A, Bahuguna P, Gupta SS, Kuruba YP, Poluru R, Mathur A, Raja D, Raut AV, Mahajan KS, Sudhakar R, Kulkarni B, Pandey RM, Arora NK, Prinja S. Study protocol for economic evaluation of probiotic intervention for prevention of neonatal sepsis in 0-2-month old low-birth weight infants in India: the ProSPoNS trial. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068215. [PMID: 36990484 PMCID: PMC10069556 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ProSPoNS trial is a multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the role of probiotics in prevention of neonatal sepsis. The present protocol describes the data and methodology for the cost utility of the probiotic intervention alongside the controlled trial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A societal perspective will be adopted in the economic evaluation. Direct medical and non-medical costs associated with neonatal sepsis and its treatment would be ascertained in both the intervention and the control arm. Intervention costs will be facilitated through primary data collection and programme budgetary records. Treatment cost for neonatal sepsis and associated conditions will be accessed from Indian national costing database estimating healthcare system costs. A cost-utility design will be employed with outcome as incremental cost per disability-adjusted life year averted. Considering a time-horizon of 6 months, trial estimates will be extrapolated to model the cost and consequences among high-risk neonatal population in India. A discount rate of 3% will be used. Impact of uncertainties present in analysis will be addressed through both deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Has been obtained from EC of the six participating sites (MGIMS Wardha, KEM Pune, JIPMER Puducherry, AIPH, Bhubaneswar, LHMC New Delhi, SMC Meerut) as well as from the ERC of LSTM, UK. A peer-reviewed article will be published after completion of the study. Findings will be disseminated to the community of the study sites, with academic bodies and policymakers. REGISTRATION The protocol has been approved by the regulatory authority (Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation; CDSCO) in India (CT-NOC No. CT/NOC/17/2019 dated 1 March 2019). The ProSPoNS trial is registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI). Registered on 16 May 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2019/05/019197; Clinical Trial Registry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Sinha
- Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Pankaj Bahuguna
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research School of Public Health, Chandigarh, India
- School of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland's Western Lowlands, UK
| | | | - Yamini Priyanka Kuruba
- Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ramesh Poluru
- Research Department, The INCLEN Trust International, New Delhi, India
| | - Apoorva Mathur
- Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Dilip Raja
- Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Abhishek V Raut
- Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, India
| | - Kamaleshwar S Mahajan
- Department of Community Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, India
| | | | - Bharati Kulkarni
- Reproductive, Child Health and Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra Mohan Pandey
- Department of Biostatistics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Narendra K Arora
- Research Department, The INCLEN Trust International, New Delhi, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research School of Public Health, Chandigarh, India
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Singh MP, Popli R, Brar S, Rajsekar K, Sachin O, Naik J, Kumar S, Sinha S, Singh V, Patel P, Verma R, Hazra A, Misra R, Mehrotra D, Biswal SB, Panigrahy A, Gaur KL, Pankaj JP, Sharma DK, Madhavi K, Madhusudana P, Narayanasamy K, Chitra A, Velhal GD, Bhondve AS, Bahl R, Kaur S, Prinja S. CHSI costing study-Challenges and solutions for cost data collection in private hospitals in India. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276399. [PMID: 36508431 PMCID: PMC9744278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has enabled the Government of India to become a strategic purchaser of health care services from private providers. To generate base cost evidence for evidence-based policymaking the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study was commissioned in 2018 for the price setting of health benefit packages. This paper reports the findings of a process evaluation of the cost data collection in the private hospitals. METHODS The process evaluation of health system costing in private hospitals was an exploratory survey with mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative). We used three approaches-an online survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and a review of monitoring data. The process of data collection was assessed in terms of time taken for different aspects, resources used, level and nature of difficulty encountered, challenges and solutions. RESULTS The mean time taken for data collection in a private hospital was 9.31 (± 1.0) person months including time for obtaining permissions, actual data collection and entry, and addressing queries for data completeness and quality. The longest time was taken to collect data on human resources (30%), while it took the least time for collecting information on building and space (5%). On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest) difficulty levels, the data on human resources was the most difficult to collect. This included data on salaries (8), time allocation (5.5) and leaves (5). DISCUSSION Cost data from private hospitals is crucial for mixed health systems. Developing formal mechanisms of cost accounting data and data sharing as pre-requisites for empanelment under a national insurance scheme can significantly ease the process of cost data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maninder Pal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
- Department of Global Health & Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Riya Popli
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sehr Brar
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Oshima Sachin
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyotsna Naik
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Setu Sinha
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Prakash Patel
- Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Ramesh Verma
- Pt. B.D.Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India
| | - Avijit Hazra
- Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Raghunath Misra
- Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Divya Mehrotra
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sashi Bhusan Biswal
- Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India
| | - Ankita Panigrahy
- Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India
| | | | | | | | - Kondeti Madhavi
- Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - A. Chitra
- Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Amit S. Bhondve
- Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Bahl
- Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | | | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
- National Health Authority, Government of India, New Delhi, India
- * E-mail:
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Chauhan AS, Guinness L, Bahuguna P, Singh MP, Aggarwal V, Rajsekhar K, Tripathi S, Prinja S. Cost of hospital services in India: a multi-site study to inform provider payment rates and Health Technology Assessment. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1343. [PMCID: PMC9664599 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08707-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe 'Cost of Health Services in India (CHSI)' is the first large scale multi-site facility costing study to incorporate evidence from a national sample of both private and public sectors at different levels of the health system in India. This paper provides an overview of the extent of heterogeneity in costs caused by various supply-side factors.A total of 38 public (11 tertiary care and 27 secondary care) and 16 private hospitals were sampled from 11 states of India. From the sampled facilities, a total of 327 specialties were included, with 48, 79 and 200 specialties covered in tertiary, private and district hospitals respectively. A mixed methodology consisting of both bottom-up and top-down costing was used for data collection. Unit costs per service output were calculated at the cost centre level (outpatient, inpatient, operating theatre, and ICU) and compared across provider type and geographical location.The unadjusted cost per admission was highest for tertiary facilities (₹ 5690, 75 USD) followed by private facilities (₹ 4839, 64 USD) and district hospitals (₹ 3447, 45 USD). Differences in unit costs were found across types of providers, resulting from both variations in capacity utilisation, length of stay and the scale of activity. In addition, significant differences in costs were found associated with geographical location (city classification).The reliance on cost information from single sites or small samples ignores the issue of heterogeneity driven by both demand and supply-side factors. The CHSI cost data set provides a unique insight into cost variability across different types of providers in India. The present analysis shows that both geographical location and the scale of activity are important determinants for deriving the cost of a health service and should be accounted for in healthcare decision making from budgeting to economic evaluation and price-setting.
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Guinness L, Ghosh S, Mehndiratta A, Shah HA. Role of healthcare cost accounting in pricing and reimbursement in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e065019. [PMID: 36171039 PMCID: PMC10580276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Progress towards universal health coverage (UHC) requires evidence-based policy including good quality cost data systems. Establishing these systems can be complex, resource-intensive and take time. This study synthesises evidence on the experiences of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) in the institutionalisation of cost data systems to derive lessons for the technical process of price-setting in the context of UHC. DESIGN A scoping review and narrative synthesis of publicly available information. DATA SOURCES PubMed, MEDLINE, EconLit, the Web of Science and grey literature searched from January 2000 to April 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA English-language papers published since 2000 that identified and/or described development of and/or methods used to estimate or inform national tariffs for hospital reimbursement in LMICs. Papers were screened by two independent reviewers. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Extraction was performed by one reviewer and checked by the second reviewer on: the method and outputs of cost data collection; commentary on the use of cost data; description of the technical process of tariff setting; and strengths and challenges of the approach. Evidence was summarised using narrative review. RESULTS Thirty of 484 papers identified were eligible. Fourteen papers reported on primary cost data collection; 18 papers explained how cost evidence informs tariff-setting. Experience was focused in Asia (n=22) with countries at different stages of developing cost systems. Experiences on cost accounting tend to showcase country costing experiences, methods and implementation. There is little documentation how data have been incorporated into decision making and price setting. Where cost information or cost systems have been used, there is improved transparency in decision making alongside increased efficiency. CONCLUSIONS There are widely used and accepted methods for generating cost information. Countries need to build sustainable cost systems appropriate to their settings and budgets and adopt transparent processes and methodologies for translating costs into prices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hiral A Shah
- Center for Global Development, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Singh MP, Prinja S, Rajsekar K, Gedam P, Aggarwal V, Sachin O, Naik J, Agarwal A, Kumar S, Sinha S, Singh V, Patel P, Patel AC, Joshi R, Hazra A, Misra R, Mehrotra D, Biswal SB, Panigrahy A, Gaur KL, Pankaj JP, Sharma DK, Madhavi K, Madhusudana P, Narayanasamy K, Chitra A, Velhal GD, Bhondve AS, Bahl R, Sachdeva A, Kaur S, Nagar A, Bhargava B. Cost of Surgical Care at Public Sector District Hospitals in India: Implications for Universal Health Coverage and Publicly Financed Health Insurance Schemes. PHARMACOECONOMICS - OPEN 2022; 6:745-756. [PMID: 35733075 PMCID: PMC9216290 DOI: 10.1007/s41669-022-00342-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), provisioning for surgical care is a public health priority. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is India's largest national insurance scheme providing free surgical and medical care. In this paper, we present the costs of surgical health benefit packages (HBPs) for secondary care in public district hospitals. METHODS The costs were estimated using mixed (top-down and bottom-up) micro-costing methods. In phase II of the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study, data were collected from a sample of 27 district hospitals from nine states of India. The district hospitals were selected using stratified random sampling based on the district's composite development score. We estimated unit costs for individual services-outpatient (OP) visit, per bed-day in inpatient (IP) and intensive care unit (ICU) stays, and surgical procedures. Together, this was used to estimate the cost of 250 AB PM-JAY HBPs. RESULTS At the current level of utilization, the mean cost per OP consultation varied from US$4.10 to US$2.60 among different surgical specialities. The mean unit cost per IP bed-day ranged from US$13.40 to US$35.60. For the ICU, the mean unit cost per bed-day was US$74. Further, the unit cost of HBPs varied from US$564 for bone tumour excision to US$49 for lid tear repair. CONCLUSIONS Data on the cost of delivering surgical care at the level of district hospitals is of critical value for evidence-based policymaking, price-setting for surgical care and planning to strengthen the availability of high quality and cost-effective surgical care in district hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maninder Pal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Gedam
- National Health Authority, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Vipul Aggarwal
- National Health Authority, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Oshima Sachin
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Jyotsna Naik
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Ajai Agarwal
- National Health Authority, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Setu Sinha
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Science, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Prakash Patel
- Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Amit C Patel
- Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Rajendra Joshi
- Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education & Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
| | - Avijit Hazra
- Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Raghunath Misra
- Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Divya Mehrotra
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sashi Bhusan Biswal
- Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India
| | - Ankita Panigrahy
- Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India
| | | | | | | | - Kondeti Madhavi
- Sri Venkateswara Medical College, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | | | - A Chitra
- Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gajanan D Velhal
- Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amit S Bhondve
- Seth G S Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rakesh Bahl
- Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Amit Sachdeva
- Government Medical College, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | | | - Anu Nagar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Balram Bhargava
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
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Thakkar JJ, Thanki S, Guru S. A quantitative framework for health‐care service quality assessment in India. JOURNAL OF MODELLING IN MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jm2-11-2021-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The present situation of COVID-19 pandemic has put the health-care systems under tremendous stress and stringent tests for their ability to offer expected quality of health-care services, as it decides the sustainability and growth of health-care service providers. This study aims to deliver a quantitative framework for service quality assessment in the health-care industry by classifying the health-care service quality parameters into four balanced scorecard (BSC) perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
To determine the service quality for the Indian health-care system, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory and analytical network process are integrated in a fuzzy environment to contemplate the interaction among BSC perspectives and respective performance measures.
Findings
The results indicate “internal processes” perspective assumes the key role within BSC perspectives, while performance measures “nursing staff turnover” and “staff training” play the key roles. The results also signify that “patient satisfaction” is the most vital issue and can be strongly influenced by measures belonging to the “learning and growth” perspective. In “learning and growth” perspective, “staff training” is the most decisive criteria, very highly influencing “patient satisfaction”, highly influencing “profitability,” “change of cost per patient (both in and out patients)” and “outpatient waiting time” while moderately influencing “staff satisfaction,” “bed occupancy” and “nursing staff turnover”. Moreover, “staff training” criteria have a positive influence on “nursing staff turnover.”
Originality/value
The contributions of this study are in two folds in the domain of quantification of service quality for the health-care system. First, it delivers an assessment framework for Indian health-care service quality. Second, it demonstrates an application of the framework for a case situation and validates the proposed framework.
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Kaur G, Chauhan AS, Prinja S, Teerawattananon Y, Muniyandi M, Rastogi A, Jyani G, Nagarajan K, Lakshmi P, Gupta A, Selvam JM, Bhansali A, Jain S. Cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for diabetes and hypertension in India: an economic modelling study. LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 7:e65-e73. [PMID: 34774219 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(21)00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND India faces a high burden of diabetes and hypertension. Currently, there is a dearth of economic evidence about screening programmes, affected age groups, and frequency of screening for these diseases in Indian settings. We assessed the cost effectiveness of population-based screening for diabetes and hypertension compared with current practice in India for different scenarios, according to type of screening test, population age group, and pattern of health-care use. METHODS We used a hybrid decision model (decision tree and Markov model) to estimate the lifetime costs and consequences from a societal perspective. A meta-analysis was done to assess the effectiveness of population-based screening. Primary data were collected from two Indian states (Haryana and Tamil Nadu) to assess the cost of screening. The data from the National Health System Cost Database and the Costing of Health Services in India study were used to determine the health system cost of diagnostic tests and cost of treating diabetes or hypertension and their complications. A total of 962 patients were recruited to assess out-of-pocket expenditure and quality of life. Parameter uncertainty was evaluated using univariate and multivariable probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Finally, we estimated the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained with alternative scenarios of scaling up primary health care through a health and wellness centre programme for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. FINDINGS The incremental cost per QALY gained across various strategies for population-based screening for diabetes and hypertension ranged from US$0·02 million to $0·03 million. At the current pattern of health services use, none of the screening strategies of annual screening, screening every 3 years, and screening every 5 years was cost-effective at a threshold of 1-time per capita gross domestic product in India. In the scenario in which health and wellness centres provided primary care to 20% of patients who were newly diagnosed with uncomplicated diabetes or hypertension, screening the group aged between 30 and 65 years every 5 years or 3 years for either diabetes, hypertension, or a comorbid state (both diabetes and hypertension) became cost-effective. If the share of treatment for patients with newly diagnosed uncomplicated diabetes or hypertension at health and wellness centres increases to 70%, from the existing 4% at subcentres and primary health centres, annual population-based screening becomes a cost saving strategy. INTERPRETATION Population-based screening for diabetes and hypertension in India could potentially reduce time to diagnosis and treatment and be cost-effective if it is linked to comprehensive primary health care through health and wellness centres for provision of treatment to patients who screen positive. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunjeet Kaur
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akashdeep Singh Chauhan
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Yot Teerawattananon
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | | | - Ashu Rastogi
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gaurav Jyani
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | - Pvm Lakshmi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jerard M Selvam
- Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India
| | - Anil Bhansali
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Gupta N, Prinja S, Patil V, Bahuguna P. Cost-Effectiveness of Temozolamide for Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme in India. JCO Glob Oncol 2021; 7:108-117. [PMID: 33449801 PMCID: PMC8081547 DOI: 10.1200/go.20.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has poor outcomes following surgery and radiation. Adjuvant temozolamide along with radiation therapy has been shown to improve survival. In this paper, we evaluate the cost-effectiveness of concomitant temozolamide with radiation and maintenance temozolamide for 6 months of treatment for GBM in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used a Markov model to evaluate the lifetime costs and consequences of treating GBM with radiation alone versus radiation with adjuvant temozolamide. The model was calibrated using the published evidence from European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-NCIC trial on progression-free survival and overall survival to estimate the life years (LYs) and quality-adjusted LYs (QALYs). Cost of treatment and management of complications were estimated using the data from the National Health System Cost Database and Indian studies. Future cost and consequences were discounted at 3%. Incremental cost per QALY gained with temozolamide was estimated to assess cost effectiveness. RESULTS Temozolamide resulted in an increase of 0.59 (0.53-0.66) LY and 0.33 (0.29-0.40) QALY per person at an incremental cost of ₹75,120 in Indian national rupee (INR) (59,337-93,960). Overall, the use of temozolamide incurs an incremental cost of ₹212,020 INR (138,127-401,466) per QALY gained, which has a 4.7% probability to be cost-effective at 1-time per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP) threshold. In case the current price of temozolamide could be decreased by 90%, the probability of its use for GBM being cost-effective increases to 80%. CONCLUSION Temozolamide is not cost-effective for treatment of patients with GBM in India. This evidence should be used while framing guidelines for treatment and price regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vijay Patil
- Department of Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre and Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Pankaj Bahuguna
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Prinja S, Dixit J, Gupta N, Mehra N, Singh A, Krishnamurthy MN, Gupta D, Rajsekar K, Kalaiyarasi JP, Roy PS, Malik PS, Mathew A, Pandey A, Malhotra P, Gupta S, Kumar L, Kataki A, Singh G. Development of National Cancer Database for Cost and Quality of Life (CaDCQoL) in India: a protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048513. [PMID: 34326050 PMCID: PMC8323373 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The rising economic burden of cancer on healthcare system and patients in India has led to the increased demand for evidence in order to inform policy decisions such as drug price regulation, setting reimbursement package rates under publicly financed health insurance schemes and prioritising available resources to maximise value of investments in health. Economic evaluations are an integral component of this important evidence. Lack of existing evidence on healthcare costs and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) makes conducting economic evaluations a very challenging task. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a national database for health expenditure and HRQOL for cancer. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The present study proposes to develop a National Cancer Database for Cost and Quality of Life (CaDCQoL) in India. The healthcare costs will be estimated using a patient perspective. A cross-sectional study will be conducted to assess the direct out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE), indirect cost and HRQOL among cancer patients who will be recruited at seven leading cancer centres from six states in India. Mean OOPE and HRQOL scores will be estimated by cancer site, stage of disease and type of treatment. Economic impact of cancer care on household financial risk protection will be assessed by estimating prevalence of catastrophic health expenditures and impoverishment. The national database would serve as a unique open access data repository to derive estimates of cancer-related OOPE and HRQOL. These estimates would be useful in conducting future cost-effectiveness analyses of management strategies for value-based cancer care. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Approval was granted by Institutional Ethics Committee vide letter no. PGI/IEC-03/2020-1565 of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented to the policymakers at national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jyoti Dixit
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nikita Mehra
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Institute-WIA, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashish Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Christian Medical College Vellore, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Dharna Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | - Partha Sarathi Roy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr B Borooah Cancer Society Trust, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | | | - Anisha Mathew
- Department of Medical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Awadhesh Pandey
- Radiotherapy and Oncology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pankaj Malhotra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sudeep Gupta
- Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Lalit Kumar
- Department of Medical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Amal Kataki
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Dr B Borooah Cancer Society Trust, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gurpreet Singh
- Department of General Surgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
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Chauhan AS, Kapoor I, Rana SK, Kumar D, Gupta M, John J, Kang G, Prinja S. Cost effectiveness of typhoid vaccination in India. Vaccine 2021; 39:4089-4098. [PMID: 34120765 PMCID: PMC8256879 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION World Health Organization has prequalified the use of typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) in children over six months of age in typhoid endemic countries. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of introducing TCV separately for urban and rural areas of India. METHODS A decision analytic model was developed, using a societal perspective, to compare long-term costs and outcomes (3% discount rate) in a new-born cohort of 100,000 children immunized with or without TCV. Three vaccination scenarios were modelled, assuming the protective efficacy of TCV to last for 5, 10 and 15 years following immunization. Incidence of typhoid infection estimated under 'National Surveillance System for Enteric Fever' (NSSEFI)' was used. The prices of vaccine and cost of service delivery were included for vaccination arm. Both health system cost and out-of-pocket expenditures for treatment of typhoid illness and its complications was included. RESULTS TCV introduction in urban areas would result in prevention of 17% to 36% typhoid cases and deaths. With exclusion of indirect costs, the incremental cost per QALY gained was ₹ 151,346 (54,730-307,975), ₹ 61,710 (-5250 to 163,283) and ₹ 45,188 (-17,069 to 141,093) for scenario 1, 2 and 3 respectively. While, with inclusion of indirect costs, all 3 scenarios were cost saving. Further, in rural areas, TCV is estimated to reduce the typhoid cases and deaths by 19% to 36%, with ICER (incremental cost per QALY gained) ranging from ₹ 2340 (1316-4370) to ₹ 3574 (2057 - 6691) thousand (inclusive of indirect costs) among the 3 vaccination scenarios. CONCLUSION From a societal perspective, introduction of TCV is a cost saving strategy in urban India. Further, due to low incidence of typhoid infection, introduction of TCV is not cost-effective in rural settings of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akashdeep Singh Chauhan
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Isha Kapoor
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Saroj Kumar Rana
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Dilesh Kumar
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Madhu Gupta
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Jacob John
- Department of Community Health, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 002, India
| | - Gagandeep Kang
- The Wellcome Trust Research Laboratory, Division of Gastrointestinal Sciences, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 004, India
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Prinja S, Jyani G, Gupta N, Rajsekar K. Adapting health technology assessment for drugs, medical devices, and health programs: Methodological considerations from the Indian experience. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2021; 21:859-868. [PMID: 33882762 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1921575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heterogeneity in methods of economic evaluation makes the use of health technology assessment (HTA) evidence difficult. Thereby, several countries including India have developed their own standard guidelines for conducting HTAs. However, diverse HTA studies involving drugs, medical devices, health programs, and platforms require an adaptation of the standard methods. AREAS COVERED This review presents the specific characteristics of HTAs involving medical devices and health programs requiring adaptation of the standard guidelines. We use recent HTA studies in India to illustrate specific issues. These considerations involve the nature of decision-making problems, multiple scenarios in case of health programs, and specific attention to costing and the valuation of consequences. In case of medical devices, we discuss the issue of costing application of devices, multiple usage, learning curve for achieving effects, long causal path for health outcomes, and the issue of valuing false positives. EXPERT OPINION While standard guidelines are essential, specific features of health programs and medical devices need to be considered while undertaking HTAs. Additionally, the context in which the HTA is being undertaken, characteristics of the health system, methods of financing healthcare, and demand-side characteristics of healthcare utilization should be reflected in the HTA for health programs and medical devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Gaurav Jyani
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nidhi Gupta
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
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Prinja S, Singh MP, Rajsekar K, Sachin O, Gedam P, Nagar A, Bhargava B. Translating Research to Policy: Setting Provider Payment Rates for Strategic Purchasing under India's National Publicly Financed Health Insurance Scheme. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2021; 19:353-370. [PMID: 33462775 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-020-00631-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2018, the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), a large tax-funded health insurance scheme. In this paper, we present findings of the Costing of Health Services in India (CHSI) study, describe the process of use of cost evidence for price-setting under AB PM-JAY, and estimate its fiscal impact. METHODS Reference costs were generated from the first phase of CHSI study, which sampled 11 tertiary public hospitals from 11 Indian states. Cost for Health Benefit Packages (HBPs) was estimated using mixed (top-down and bottom-up) micro-costing methods. The process adopted for price-setting under AB PM-JAY was observed. The cost of each HBP was compared with AB PM-JAY prices before and after the revision, and the budgetary impact of this revision in prices was estimated. FINDINGS Following the CHSI study evidence and price consultations, 61% of AB PM-JAY HBP prices were increased while 18% saw a decline in the prices. In absolute terms, the mean increase in HBP price was ₹14,000 (₹450-₹1,65,000) and a mean decline of ₹6,356 (₹200-₹74,500) was observed. Nearly 42% of the total HBPs, in 2018, had a price that was less than 50% of the true cost, which declined to 20% in 2019. The evidence-informed revision of HBP prices is estimated to have a minimal fiscal impact (0.7%) on the AB PM-JAY claims pay-out. INTERPRETATION Evidence-informed price-setting helped to reduce wide disparities in cost and price, as well as aligning incentives towards broader health system goals. Such strategic purchasing and price-setting requires the creation of systems of generating evidence on the cost of health services. Further research is recommended to develop a cost-function to study changes in cost with variations in time, region, prices, skill-mix and other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
| | - Maninder Pal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Oshima Sachin
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Praveen Gedam
- National Health Authority, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Anu Nagar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Balram Bhargava
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi, India
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Kaur A, Jayashree M, Prinja S, Singh R, Baranwal AK. Cost analysis of pediatric intensive care: a low-middle income country perspective. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:168. [PMID: 33622310 PMCID: PMC7901186 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06166-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Globally, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admissions are amongst the most expensive. In low middle-income countries, out of pocket expenditure (OOP) constitutes a major portion of the total expenditure. This makes it important to gain insights into the cost of pediatric intensive care. We undertook this study to calculate the health system cost and out of pocket expenditure incurred per patient during PICU stay. Methods Prospective study conducted in a state of the art tertiary level PICU of a teaching and referral hospital. Bottom-up micro costing methods were used to assess the health system cost. Annual data regarding hospital resources used for PICU care was collected from January to December 2018. Data regarding OOP was collected from 299 patients admitted from July 2017 to December 2018. The latter period was divided into four intervals, each of four and a half months duration and data was collected for 1 month in each interval. Per patient and per bed day costs for treatment were estimated both from health system and patient’s perspective. Results The median (inter-quartile range, IQR) length of PICU stay was 5(3–8) days. Mean ± SD Pediatric Risk of Mortality Score (PRISM III) score of the study cohort was 22.23 ± 7.3. Of the total patients, 55.9% (167) were ventilated. Mean cost per patient treated was US$ 2078(₹ 144,566). Of this, health system cost and OOP expenditure per patient were US$ 1731 (₹ 120,425) and 352 (₹ 24,535) respectively. OOP expenditure of a ventilated child was twice that of a non- ventilated child. Conclusions The fixed cost of PICU care was 3.8 times more than variable costs. Major portion of cost was borne by the hospital. Severe illness, longer ICU stay and ventilation were associated with increased costs. This study can be used to set the reimbursement package rates under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Tertiary level intensive care in a public sector teaching hospital in India is far less expensive than developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrit Kaur
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Muralidharan Jayashree
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ranjana Singh
- Department of Hospital Administration, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arun K Baranwal
- Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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Prinja S, Rajsekhar K, Gauba VK. Health technology assessment in India: Reflection & future roadmap. Indian J Med Res 2020; 152:444-447. [PMID: 33707385 PMCID: PMC8157896 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_115_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India
| | - Kavitha Rajsekhar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi 110 001, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Gauba
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi 110 001, India
- Formerly Senior Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi 110 029, India
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Singh MP, Chauhan AS, Rai B, Ghoshal S, Prinja S. Cost of Treatment for Cervical Cancer in India. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:2639-2646. [PMID: 32986363 PMCID: PMC7779435 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.9.2639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical cancer is a major public health problem in India leading to high economic burden, which is disproportionately borne by the patients as out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Several publicly financed health insurance schemes (PFHIs) in India cover the treatment for cervical cancer. However, the provider payment rates for health benefit packages (HBP) under these PFHIs are not based on scientific evidence. We undertook this study to estimate the cost of services provided for treatment of cervical cancer and cost of the package of care for cervical cancer in India. METHODS The study was undertaken at a large public tertiary hospital in North India. The health system cost was assessed using a mixed micro-costing approach. The data were collected for all the resources utilized during service delivery for cervical cancer patients. To evaluate the OOPE, randomly selected 248 patients were interviewed following the cost of illness approach. Logistic regression was used to assess the factors associated with catastrophic health expenditure (CHE). RESULTS Health system cost for different cervical cancer treatment modalities i.e. radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy and surgery, ranges from INR 19,494 to 41,388 (USD 291 - 617). Furthermore, patients spent INR 4,042 to 23,453 ( USD 60 - 350) as OOPE. Nearly 62% patients incurred CHE, and 30% reported distress financing. The odds of CHE (OR: 25.39, p-value: <0.001) and distress financing (OR: 15.37, p-value: 0.001) were significantly higher in poorest-income quintile. The HBP cost varies from INR 45,364 to 64,422 (USD 676 - 960) for brachytherapy and radiotherapy respectively. CONCLUSION Cervical cancer treatment leads to high OOPE in India, which imposes financial hardship, especially for the poorest. The coverage of risk pooling mechanisms like PHFIs should be enhanced. The findings of our study should be used to set the reimbursement rates of providing cervical cancer treatment under PFHI schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maninder Pal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Akashdeep Singh Chauhan
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Bhavana Rai
- Department of Radiotherapy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Sushmita Ghoshal
- Department of Radiotherapy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
| | - Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
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Prinja S, Singh MP, Guinness L, Rajsekar K, Bhargava B. Establishing reference costs for the health benefit packages under universal health coverage in India: cost of health services in India (CHSI) protocol. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e035170. [PMID: 32690737 PMCID: PMC7375634 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To achieve universal health coverage, the Government of India has introduced Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB - PMJAY), a large tax-funded national health insurance scheme for the provision of secondary and tertiary care services in public and private hospitals. AB - PMJAY reimburses care for 1573 health benefit packages (HBPs). HBPs are designed to cover the treatment of diseases/conditions with high incidence/prevalence or which contribute to high out-of-pocket expenditure. However, there is a dearth of reference cost data against which provider payment rates can be assessed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The CHSI (Cost of Health Services in India) study will collect cost data from 13 Indian states covering 52 public and 40 private hospitals, using a mixed economic costing methodology (top-down and bottom-up), to generate unit costs for the HBPs. States will be sampled to capture economic status, development indicators and health service utilisation heterogeneity. The public sector hospitals will be chosen at secondary and tertiary care level. One tertiary facility will be selected from each state. At secondary level, three districts per state will be selected randomly from the district composite development score ranking. The private sector hospital sample will be stratified by nature of ownership (for-profit and not-for-profit), type of city (tier 1, 2 or 3) and size of the hospital (number of beds). Average costs for each HBP will be calculated across the different facility types. Multiple scenarios will be used to suggest rates which could be negotiated with the providers. Overall, the study will provide economic cost data for price setting, strategic purchasing, health technology assessment and a national cost database of India. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The approval has been obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee and Institutional Collaborative Committee of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. The results shall be disseminated in conferences and peer-reviewed articles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shankar Prinja
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Maninder Pal Singh
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India
| | - Lorna Guinness
- Independent Researcher, Imperial College, London, UK
- Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, London, UK
| | - Kavitha Rajsekar
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family welfare, New Delhi, India
| | - Balram Bhargava
- Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family welfare, New Delhi, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, Delhi, India
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