Dr Richard Friedland, CEO of Network Healthcare Holdings Limited (Netcare), at a press conference today addressed the debate around 'rebates' in the private hospital industry following allegations made by the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) on Tuesday last week.
"There has been criticism regarding our cross-subsidised pricing model. We acknowledge that our current billing system is complex and confusing. We have therefore resolved to simplify the structure, including transparency around surgical discounts," said Friedland.
"While our pricing structure may be confusing it is neither illegal nor unethical. We have no problem demystifying our pricing structure even further and will do everything in our power to protect the interests of our patients."
"Private hospitals make a modest return on capital invested, yet we are often unfairly lambasted for profiteering. We welcome the recently published National Health Reference Price List (NHRPL) regulations, which will provide an opportunity for enhanced understanding of the cost drivers of private healthcare," concluded Friedland.