Health ministry is working on a regulatory framework for private sector participation

Jigmi Wangdi

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has addressed mounting concerns regarding the potential privatisation of healthcare services in the country, stating that there are no intentions to privatise healthcare services. Instead, the MoH is planning to involve the private sector to enhance healthcare delivery through private sector participation.

This move, MoH officials shared, will not affect the core public healthcare services currently offered to citizens.

“As per the National Health Policy 2011, healthcare services cannot be privatised, and there are no plans for the privatisation of health services,” an MoH official said.

The initiative to involve the private sector is designed to improve access to healthcare and ensure its sustainability in the long term.

“The ministry is planning to explore possibilities for engaging the private sector in service delivery,” the official added.

Health officials emphasised that there is a distinction between privatisation and private sector participation. “The latter seeks to supplement, not replace, the existing public healthcare framework.”

To this end, the ministry is developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to ensure that the participation of private entities is carefully managed and beneficial to the overall healthcare system.

“The ministry is drafting the Healthcare Services Rules and Regulations to ensure that the required standard precautions are followed by these health-related service providers,” the official said.

These new rules are expected to enhance safety and quality by standardising diagnostic services in private centres. The regulations will ensure that private participation in the health sector operates under strict standards, preventing any negative impact on public health services.

However, the MoH official stated that it is premature to establish a timeline for the implementation of private sector involvement. “Once the regulatory framework is approved by the government, we will identify the priority areas of services and process the necessary approvals for private sector engagement,” the official said.

A major concern raised was the potential impact on healthcare workers, particularly the possibility of doctors shifting their focus from public hospitals to more lucrative private clinics.

Health officials recognised this as a valid issue, indicating that the ministry is studying international practices to assess the benefits and challenges. Appropriate policies will be developed to maintain public healthcare services as a priority.

Another concern was whether private sector participation might lead to higher healthcare costs, particularly for vulnerable populations. Health officials reassured the public that health services would remain available and affordable.

“The services in public health facilities will continue to be provided and enhanced,” the MoH official said, adding that pricing for services offered by private healthcare centres would be closely monitored and regulated by the ministry.

The MoH will also ensure that the quality of care remains consistent across both public and private healthcare services. Measures will be instituted to regulate the quality and safety of healthcare services in both sectors.