Make hospitals display rates prominently, Centre tells states
The Indian government has directed states to ensure hospitals display service rates prominently to improve billing transparency. While the directive aims to reduce disputes, industry experts note that the lack of standardized costing makes full implementation difficult.
Why it matters
It addresses the systemic issue of healthcare cost opacity and the challenges of regulating private medical billing.
NEW DELHI: Centre has asked states and UTs to ensure hospitals prominently display rates for their services and facilities to improve transparency in treatment costs and reduce billing disputes. The directive comes even as hospital representatives question gaps in implementation.In a letter to chief secretaries of all states and UTs, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava called for a review of compliance with applicable regulations and urged authorities to ensure rates are clearly visible and accessible to patients and attendants.Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, requires hospitals covered by the law to display service rates at a conspicuous place, in the local language and English.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in