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UK: CMA picks latest healthcare target

By  |  April 7, 2014

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority has chosen its next target in the healthcare industry, just days after it launched operations and just days after it ordered healthcare conglomerate HCA International to divest hospitals.

The CMA is set to scrutinize joint ventures formed by private hospital operators with NHS trusts, say reports. The regulator revealed new policies that tighten oversight of private hospital firms looking to establish private patient units in NHS hospitals; reports say the CMA will have the power to limit and bar such agreements if it finds the venture harms competition.

The new rules will not affect current joint ventures, however.

The watchdog announced the new rules just days after it ordered HCA International to sell off hospitals, a ruling the conglomerate said it would appeal, even all the way up to the European Court of Justice, the company said.

Full Content: Health Service Journal

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