New Delhi, October 12: The Union Health Ministry has asked all states and union territories to make sure hospitals, clinics and other clinical establishments prominently display the rates they charge for services and facilities.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has written to the Chief Secretaries of all states and UTs, asking them to review compliance with the rules and take steps so that patients and their attendants can easily see what treatment will cost.
What the rules say
Under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, establishments in states and UTs where the Act applies must display the rates for each type of service and facility at a conspicuous place, in the local language and in English.
In states and UTs where the Act does not apply, clinical establishments are regulated under state laws, several of which also require rates to be displayed.
Why it matters to patients
The Health Secretary said clear display of rates would help patients and families understand the likely cost of treatment, plan their spending and reduce billing disputes.
Since health is a state subject, enforcement rests with the states and UTs. The letter asks Chief Secretaries to issue advisories to the authorities concerned and to clinical establishments, so that rates are displayed in clearly visible and accessible places.
Package rates for foreign patients
The letter also asks states to encourage hospitals to display package rates for foreign patients coming to India on Medical or Ayush visas. The ministry said this would help international patients make informed choices and reduce pricing complaints.
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