Government Pushes for Transparent Hospital Charges Across India

NEW DELHI, Oct 12 — In an effort to improve accountability and patient‑focused healthcare, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has ordered that all clinical establishments in states and Union Territories put up their fee structures for every service. Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed chief secretaries, insisting that price lists be displayed prominently in both the vernacular and English.

Transparent pricing is projected to help patients and relatives assess potential treatment costs, make better health decisions, and plan budgets, while also curbing billing disputes and enhancing trust in the healthcare ecosystem. The instruction cites the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the 2012 Rules that form the regulatory backbone for such disclosures.

For jurisdictions where the Act does not apply, the ministry urges the use of existing state‑level rules that contain similar pricing visibility clauses. Officials are asked to monitor compliance and guide institutions on appropriate placement of rate boards.

The communication also underlines the need to clearly show package rates for international patients holding medical or Ayush visas, aiming to reduce complaints, support informed choices, and promote India’s image as a dependable destination for medical and AYUSH care.