SOURCES OF FUND IN THE HOSPITAL

SOURCES OF FUND IN THE HOSPITAL

It is thus important to look and examine the sources of income to a hospital since this will enable us to have a clear understanding of the systems. Since the items of income of a hospital are not similar to those of ordinary business entity.

These items are divided into two sub-heading, viz;
a) Medical fees
b) Non-medical fees.

MEDICAL FEES SOURCES OF FUND

These belong to the items of medical services, that is these income are those that relates to the main hospital business. They are as follows:

i. Admission fees: Admission fees are payable to the hospital when a patient is fully permitted to receive services from the hospital. This sum is always equal to all patients in the hospital.

ii. Diet fee: This income depends on the quality and quantity of diet the hospital is giving to the patient.

iii. Nursing services: Nursing services depends on the number of times the patient receives such services.

iv. Operating fees: This income depends on the nature of operation. Presently, in some hospitals the sum payable by patients ranges from ₦5000 and above.

v. Sterilization: This comes as a result of taking care of injuries and tendering it till the wound is healed.

vi. Card fees: In the form of admission fee, it is payable for treatment on this card recommendation is made by doctors.

vii. Open Health Operation fees: These incomes relates to outdoor operation services rendered by the hospitals to her patients.

viii. Physiotherapy: This income is generated as a result of treatment by means by exercise, massage, the use of light, heat, electricity and other natural forces.

ix. Casual collection fees: These fees are charges per head on collection of casualty. Example, motor accident victims who are unfortunate.

x. Storage of body: Where a patient dies at the hospital and the body is left for some days at the hospital, an amount is paid by the relatives of the decreased on collection of the body.

xi. Anti-Natal: This income is generated from the periodic check of pregnant women at the hospital during pregnancy.

xii. Lab-fee: For laboratory tests carried on by the laboratory scientist at the hospital to generate income.

xiii. Ultra-sound: Similar to lab fee, X-ray fee, etc.

NON-MEDICAL SOURCES OF FUND

These include other services which are indirectly related to the services of

a hospital. They include following fees:
1. Sale of forms: Hospitals sells forms to intending Nursing students and the money paid for this form are usually not refundable even where the applicant fails.
2. Grants: These may be from government for improvement of services and equipments in the hospitals. For instance, World Health Organisation (W.H.O) may through its agencies in the country decide to grant hospital some money for improving the services but this is usually to government owned hospitals.
3. Donations: These incomes are not always expected. It is a wilful gift from individuals, organisations, and government agencies to the hospitals. Example, government may donate a sum of money to the hospital.