Now it won’t be easy for private hospitals to care a fig about following The Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules in the State, as the State Government is tightening noose around nursing homes. In a recent order issued by the Health Commissioner, it has become mandatory for nursing homes to display rates of services provided by them. Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi directed all private hospitals and nursing homes that they should display rate charge prominently at the counters. He added that it is important for citizens welfare and bring transparency in working. Comprehensive list of cost of services, procedures and surgeons must be displayed.

 

The order also speaks about patients rights to provide them rates. It says if any patient or his/her relative asks for fees to the Nursing home, they must be provided with the same. In case, any nursing home makes any changes to the said list, it is directed to give a information regarding the same to Chief Medical /health officer. Amended list must be displayed. Many private hospitals do not display rate charts, even though it is binding under the Private Medical Establishments Act. The MP Upcharyagriha Tatha Rugopchar Sambandhi Sthapanaye (Registrikaran Tatha Anugyapan) Rules, 1997, suggest several provisions pertaining to patients’ rights. The Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012 specify that all healthcare providers must display their rates and should charge standard rates as determined by the Government from time to time. People welcomed the decision saying rarely any of the hospitals adhere to the rules. If the Government follows through this decision will be good.