Health Minister rules out withdrawal of hospital billing transparency order
Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader has refused to withdraw a circular requiring hospitals to display the purchase price and MRP of medicines on bills. The Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organisation has challenged the mandate, citing operational burdens and bias compared to other retail sectors.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between government efforts to increase healthcare price transparency and the operational concerns of pharmaceutical retailers.
Health Minister rules out withdrawal of hospital billing transparency order left U.T. Khader The Hindu The Hindu https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/6ey8vj/article71589336.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/_JAI9709.JPG SUDHAKARA JAIN KARNATAKA : BENGALURU : 01/10/2026 : Health and Family Welfare, Shri U.T. Khader during press meet in Bengaluru on Thusday 30 October 2026. Photo: SUDHAKARA JAIN / THE HINDU. Landing-price disclosure will depend on Supreme Court order; itemised bills and display of treatment charges to continue, says Khader Bengaluru Health Minister U.T. Khader has ruled out withdrawing the Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA) Department’s circular mandating hospital pharmacies to disclose the purchase price and maximum retail price (MRP) of medicines, medical devices and consumables on bills, even as the Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organisation (KPRDO) has sought its withdrawal on legal and operational grounds. “The landing-cost disclosure issue is before the Supreme Court, and the requirement will depend on the court’s order.
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