Centre Directs States and UTs to Ensure Clear Display of Healthcare Service Charges at Clinical Establishments

Summary:
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged all States and Union Territories to ensure that clinical establishments prominently display healthcare service charges to improve transparency and accountability. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has called for compliance with applicable regulations, including displaying rates in local languages and English where required, so patients can understand treatment costs and avoid billing disputes. Authorities have also been asked to promote the display of applicable treatment package prices for international patients visiting on Medical or Ayush Visas, supporting informed decisions and strengthening confidence in India’s healthcare services. 

As general insurers call for greater transparency and consistency in hospital pricing, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked all States and Union Territories to ensure that charges for services and facilities at clinical establishments are displayed prominently. The initiative aims to improve accountability and strengthen patient-focused healthcare delivery.

In a letter addressed to the chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava urged them to assess compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements and take appropriate steps to ensure that patients and their attendants can easily access clearly displayed information on healthcare charges.

Highlighting the need for transparent medical pricing, Srivastava explained that prominently displayed rates would help patients and their families estimate treatment expenses, make informed decisions about healthcare and manage their medical budgets.

“Greater transparency would also help minimise avoidable confusion and billing-related disputes, while fostering trust and confidence in the healthcare delivery system,” Srivastava said.

The letter cites the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, which establish the regulatory framework for clinical establishments. Under these Rules, establishments in States and Union Territories where the Act applies must display the charges for each category of service and the available facilities in a clearly visible location. The information must be provided in both the local language and English for the convenience of patients and their attendants.

In States and Union Territories where the Act does not apply, clinical establishments operate under the respective local regulatory frameworks. Several of these frameworks also include requirements for displaying the charges associated with healthcare services and facilities.

Acknowledging that health falls under the jurisdiction of States and that responsibility for implementing and enforcing the relevant regulations rests with the respective State and Union Territory authorities, the Union Health Secretary has called on chief secretaries to ensure effective compliance through the appropriate departments and agencies.

The letter also highlights the importance of transparent healthcare pricing for international patients.

States and Union Territories have been asked to promote the prominent display, wherever applicable, of treatment package prices offered to foreign nationals visiting India on Medical or Ayush Visas. This measure is intended to help international patients make informed choices, reduce pricing and billing-related complaints, and further strengthen India’s reputation as a trusted destination for medical and Ayush treatments.

Srivastava has requested the chief secretaries to give the matter their personal attention and issue suitable advisories to the relevant authorities and clinical establishments. The requested measures include ensuring that service rates are displayed in prominent, clearly visible and easily accessible locations in accordance with the applicable regulations.

The initiative underscores the Government of India’s commitment to improving transparency, accountability and responsiveness in healthcare services, making clear information about medical charges an essential part of patient-centred care.