Maharashtra Sets New Rates for PET-CT and MRI Contrast Tests
The Maharashtra government has established fixed rates for PET-CT scans and MRI contrast agents, ensuring free tests for eligible patients.
New rates for PET-CT scans set at Rs 10,250 for paying patients.
Eligible patients will receive free diagnostic tests under specific health schemes.
Payment must be made through hospital billing desks to avoid confusion.
On October 29, the Maharashtra government announced new fixed rates for PET-CT scans and contrast agents used in CT and MRI tests at government medical facilities. This decision aims to standardize charges and ensure that economically disadvantaged patients can access necessary diagnostic services without financial burden.
The initiative, led by the state’s Medical Education Department, addresses previous ambiguities regarding pricing at public-private partnership (PPP) healthcare facilities. Many patients, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds, rely on government-run medical colleges and hospitals for advanced diagnostic tests, making this clarification essential for equitable healthcare access.
According to the government resolution, the cost for a whole-body PET-CT scan is set at Rs 10,250, which includes the FDG substance used during the procedure. This rate is significantly lower than the previous package price of Rs 20,500 under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY). Additionally, the government has established rates for contrast agents, pricing them at Rs 420 for 50 ml and Rs 830 for 100 ml for CT scans, while MRI contrast agents will cost Rs 950 for 10 ml.
Patients have been categorized into three groups: those eligible for free services, paying patients, and sponsored or referred patients. Individuals qualifying for free tests will not incur any charges, particularly those covered by MJPJAY and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Non-eligible patients will need to pay the specified rates at the hospital’s billing desk, while sponsored patients will be charged according to pre-agreed rates with service providers.
To eliminate confusion regarding payments, the government mandates that all transactions be processed through the hospital’s billing desk, prohibiting direct payments to private service providers. Hospitals are required to display the new rates and payment procedures in both Marathi and English, and the order is effective immediately for PET-CT services under the PPP model at government medical institutions.
