Display rates of healthcare services prominently, Centre tells States

The Union Health Ministry has asked all States and Union Territories to ensure the prominent display of rates charged for services and facilities offered by clinical establishments.

In a move aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and patient-centric healthcare delivery, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories, called for compliance with regulatory provisions, and ensuring information on service charges was clearly visible to patients and their attendants.

“Display of rates would help patients and their families understand the likely cost of treatment, make informed healthcare decisions, and plan their medical expenditure,’’ Ms. Srivastava said, adding that greater transparency would also help minimise avoidable confusion and billing-related disputes.

The letter refers to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012.

Under the Rules, clinical establishments in States and Union Territories where the Act is applicable are required to display the rates charged for each type of service provided, along with facilities available, at a conspicuous place, in the local language as well as in English.

Since health is a State subject, in States and Union Territories where clinical establishments are regulated by their own respective frameworks, several of which also contain provisions relating to the display of rates, the Health Secretary has called upon Chief Secretaries to ensure effective compliance.

The letter also places particular emphasis on transparency in healthcare pricing for international patients.

States and UTs have been requested to encourage the prominent display, wherever applicable, of package rates offered to foreign patients travelling to India on medical or Ayush visas.

“This would enable international patients to make informed choices, help minimise pricing and billing-related grievances and further strengthen India’s position as a trusted destination for medical and Ayush care,’’ the Ministry said.