The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed all States and Union Territories to ensure that hospitals and other clinical establishments prominently display the charges for medical services and facilities offered to patients. In a letter sent to Chief Secretaries across the country, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava asked state authorities to review compliance with existing regulations and ensure that treatment costs are clearly visible and easily accessible. The Centre said the move is aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and patient-centric healthcare while helping people understand the expected cost of treatment before receiving medical services.
The ministry stated that the clear display of healthcare charges would enable patients and their families to make informed decisions, plan their finances better, and avoid confusion over hospital billing. It also believes that greater transparency will reduce disputes related to treatment costs and strengthen public trust in the healthcare system. Referring to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, the ministry reminded authorities that hospitals covered under the law are required to display the rates of all services and facilities at a prominent location in both English and the respective local language for the convenience of patients and their attendants.
The Health Ministry further requested States and Union Territories to encourage hospitals treating international patients to prominently display package rates for those visiting India on medical or Ayush visas. According to the ministry, transparent pricing will help overseas patients make informed choices, reduce pricing-related grievances, and enhance India’s reputation as a preferred destination for medical tourism. While health remains a State subject and implementation of the rules rests with state governments and Union Territory administrations, the Centre has urged all authorities to ensure strict compliance with the existing regulations to improve transparency and accountability across the country’s healthcare sector.
