Government Highlights Requirement for Transparency in Clinical Establishments
New Delhi: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel informed the Lok Sabha that every clinical establishment in India must prominently display the rates of all services offered, as mandated under Rule 9(i) of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2012. These rates must be presented in both the local language and English for the benefit of patients.
Parliament Questions Address Transparency in Private Hospitals
The Minister shared the information while responding to questions from MP S. Venkatesan, who sought clarification on whether the government has taken note of private hospitals’ compliance with mandatory rate displays, and whether any studies or reports exist on the matter.
Centre Reiterates Legal Framework for Regulating Clinical Establishments
Patel explained that the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, along with the Central Government Rules of 2012, was enacted to regulate both public and private healthcare facilities—excluding those of the Armed Forces. Under this legislation, all clinical establishments are required to meet minimum standards for each service they provide and adhere to transparency guidelines.
Nineteen States and UTs Have Adopted the CE Act
So far, 19 States and Union Territories have adopted the CE Act. These include 12 States—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh—and 7 Union Territories such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry.
Mandatory Display of Rates a State Responsibility
The Minister emphasized that since health is a State subject, enforcement of the CE Act’s provisions—including the display of medical charges—rests primarily with State and UT governments that have adopted the Act. Clinical establishments in regions that have not implemented the CE Act continue to function under their respective State regulations.
District Authorities Empowered to Act Against Violations
Patel added that the Act empowers district-level registering authorities, chaired by the District Collector or District Magistrate, to take corrective actions against establishments that violate the rules. Penalties may be imposed, and registration may be cancelled if an establishment fails to comply with the Act’s requirements.
Push for Greater Transparency in Healthcare
The reiteration of Rule 9(i) underscores the Centre’s focus on ensuring transparency and accountability across healthcare facilities, enabling patients to make informed decisions and preventing arbitrary pricing practices.
