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Cost of pediatric cataract surgery in Maharashtra, India
Parikshit Gogate1, Kuldeep Dole, Satish Ranade
1Lions Juhu Institute of Community Ophthalmology, H. V. Desai Eye Hospital, Pune, India.
Insights
Pediatric cataract surgery is expensive for providers. Understanding direct costs, including personnel and consumables, is crucial for optimizing care standards and managing expenses effectively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Health Economics
Background:
- Pediatric cataract surgery requires a detailed cost analysis from the provider's viewpoint.
- Understanding the financial aspects of pediatric eye care is essential for resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the direct costs associated with pediatric cataract surgery.
- To provide a cost breakdown from the perspective of healthcare providers in India.
Main Methods:
- Standard costing methods were employed in a pediatric ophthalmology department.
- Direct costs, encompassing fixed and consumable expenses, were meticulously calculated.
Main Results:
- Average direct costs included consultation (Rs. 69), operation theater equipment use (Rs. 606), and personnel (Rs. 2,427).
- Consumable costs varied significantly (Rs. 1,452 to Rs. 15,267) based on the surgical protocol.
- The overall average direct cost per eye ranged from Rs. 4,722 to Rs. 18,537.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric cataract surgery represents a significant financial investment for healthcare providers.
- Pediatric ophthalmologists should focus on cost-effective care standards to rationalize consumable expenses.
Aim:
To calculate the direct cost of pediatric cataract surgery, from the provider's perspective.
Methods:
The direct cost was calculated using standard costing methods in a pediatric ophthalmology department of a comprehensive community eye care center in western India. Fixed costs included those of the building, interior decoration, out patient department's equipment, operation theater equipment, personnel, administration and hospital maintenance. The consumable costs included materials used during surgery. Only direct costs were considered.
Results:
The average direct costs were Indian rupees (Rs.) 69 ($1.77) for an outpatient department consultation, Rs.606 ($15.53) for operation theater equipment use, and Rs. 2 427($62.23) for personnel. The consumable costs ranged from Rs.1 452 ($37.23) to 15 267 ($391.46), depending on the protocol used. The net average cost of pediatric cataract surgery ranged from Rs. 4 722 ($122) to Rs. 18 537 ($475) per eye.
Conclusion:
Cataract surgery is cost intensive for children with cataract. Pediatric ophthalmologists should decide about most cost effective standards of care to rationalize consumable cost.
