Objective: To study the actual cost of care per patient in private-sector level IIIa Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Methods: Prospective cost-analysis study. Cost incurred by the family on the treatment of baby, separately for every newborn for entire length of hospitalization, was calculated.
Results: 126 newborns were enrolled; High level of intervention was needed for 25.4% babies. The mean cost of care was US $ 90.7 per patient per day.
Conclusion: Bulk of the cost of care was the hospital bill.