Paywards in a RGGGH are dedicated inpatient units where patients receive medical care by paying for services, as opposed to free or subsidized general wards. These wards are designed to offer enhanced comfort, privacy, and personalized services compared to standard hospital wards.
Paywards (also called private wards or special wards) are specialized sections of the tertiary care hospital where patients are admitted based on their ability and willingness to pay for better amenities and services. They are part of the hospital’s revenue-generating services, and help offset the cost of free services offered to economically weaker sections.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Room Type | Single (private), double-sharing, triple-sharing rooms depending on tariff. |
| Amenities | Attached bathroom, air-conditioning, TV, telephone, refrigerator, sofa for attendant, nurse call system, etc. |
| Medical Care | Same standard of clinical care as general wards, but with greater convenience, faster access to specialists, and more privacy. |
| Admission | Usually elective, but emergency cases may also opt for payward if beds are available. |
| Charges | Fixed daily room rent + charges for consultation, investigations, procedures, medications, etc. |
| Billing | Comprehensive and itemized (supports insurance reimbursement). |
Depending on hospital policy and infrastructure, paywards can be classified as:
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Single Occupancy (Private Room) | Highest charges, full privacy, AC, attached bathroom, additional facilities. |
While the clinical care protocols remain the same as for all hospital patients, the payward patients may benefit from:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Revenue Generation | Helps the hospital raise funds to subsidize free or low-cost care in general wards. |
| Patient Choice | Offers patients and families the option to access better amenities if they can afford them. |
| Reduced Burden on General Wards | Diverts patients who can pay, thereby freeing up space in free wards. |
| Enhanced Patient Experience | mproved comfort and privacy enhance overall satisfaction. |
| Aspect | Government Tertiary Hospital | Private Tertiary Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Charges | Lower, subsidized | Higher |
| Facilities | Basic but comfortable | Luxurious, hotel-like |
| Room Types | Limited | Multiple tiers (standard, deluxe, suite) |
| Specialist Access | Fixed teams | Choice-based, fee-based |
| Availability | Few rooms | Usually more payward beds available |
Example: AIIMS / State Medical Colleges
Paywards in tertiary care hospitals represent a vital balance between public service and financial sustainability. While ensuring that all patients receive the same quality of medical care, they offer enhanced comfort and convenience to those who are willing and able to pay. Properly managed, they generate essential revenue, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance the hospital’s overall service delivery model.