More than two million dollars owed by patients has been raked in by the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) through its three-month amnesty which ended Tuesday.
Chief executive officer Dexter James, told the DAILY NATION that collections for the period of amnesty were significantly higher than the corresponding period in 2009.
Between June and August 2010, they totalled $2 466 830, a 30 per cent increase over the $1 889 100 collected in the amnesty period in 2009.
On a broader note, in general, the hospital in reviewing the first quarter collections (April-June), has recorded a 23 per cent increase in collections over budget.
The monthly budgeted collection is $612 500 per month with the actual collections for the first quarter at about $760 000/month.
The hospital’s chief administrator was delighted that the amnesty project was bearing fruit.
“With the strengthening of our admissions, billings and collections functions, we expect to see this momentum continue now and in the future.
“The amnesty has borne some fruit and we will continue to work with the population in trying to collect the monies that are legally due to us,” he said.
James, who took over as CEO last October, said he was pleased that some indebted patients had “stepped up to the plate” in a global economic downturn.
“Even in difficult economic conditions, the Barbadian public has demonstrated a level of commitment and we hope that level of responsibility will continue.
“We will continue to work with persons who are willing to pay but for financial reasons are not able to do so,” he said.
The fees were collected from both non-nationals and nationals who have engaged consultants or other medical practitioners in a private capacity for care and treatment at the hospital.
Much of these fees would be for accommodation on the private wards, use of the operating theatres, drugs and medical supplies.
James said there was also an increase in the numbers of patients making payments during the period of the amnesty.
“The average number of patients seen between June and August 2010 was 1 664 while average numbers seen in June-August 2009 was 1 381. This represents a 19 per cent increase in the number of patients making payments.
“While the number of patients has increased, the average payment per patient has reflected a small increase – from an average of $455/month to $484/month.”
James said that many of the patients have either settled outstanding bills in full or have put agreements in place which are being strictly monitored by revenue accounting staff.
“These agreements were developed in collaboration with patients and with a measure of compassion and understanding of their financial circumstances.”
The QEH has threatened to take legal action against people who have not paid for services provided by the institution.
