Sanathnagar TIMS to Allow Insurance-Based Treatment
HYDERABAD: The Telangana government is preparing to introduce private health insurance-linked treatment at the upcoming Sanathnagar TIMS hospital, marking a first for a government hospital in the state. While government hospitals such as NIMS offer free and paid services, private insurance-based treatment is not currently available. The government now plans to extend that facility at TIMS alongside paid services.
Government plans mixed healthcare model
The government had already decided to offer both free and paid services at TIMS. It is now considering allowing treatment under private health insurance policies as well. Sources said Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha recently discussed the proposal with health department officials.
Under the proposed model, 70% of beds will be reserved for poor patients under Aarogyasri and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), while the remaining 30% will be earmarked for paid services and private insurance patients.
Hospital aims to match corporate healthcare standards
The Sanathnagar TIMS hospital has been designed with infrastructure and facilities comparable to private corporate hospitals. The medical hub comprises three major blocks — A, B and C — with a total capacity of 1,000 beds. Of these, 300 beds will be dedicated to emergency medical services.
The hospital is expected to provide 29 super-speciality departments, including cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery and nephrology. Plans also include eight VIP suites for foreign patients, 92 single rooms and 100 double-sharing rooms with corporate-level amenities.
Inauguration likely on June 11
Although the government initially considered inaugurating the facility during Telangana Formation Day celebrations, officials said the launch is now likely on June 11 as some works are yet to be completed.
The government is also planning to secure accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH) to facilitate insurance-linked services.
Earlier, there were proposals to operate the entire hospital on a paid-services model to help repay loans taken for construction. However, the Congress government has revised that approach, opting instead to provide free treatment to economically weaker sections while generating revenue through paid and insurance-based services.
