Centre directs states and UTs to ensure clear display of healthcare charges

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked all states and Union Territories to make sure that hospitals and clinics prominently display their service charges, helping patients and families make informed decisions and reducing billing disputes.

In a letter to Chief Secretaries, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava stressed that transparent pricing builds trust in healthcare services and allows families to plan medical expenses more effectively.

The directive refers to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, which require facilities to display rates for each service in both English and the local language. States and UTs with their own frameworks are also encouraged to enforce similar measures.

The ministry further urged states to ensure pricing transparency for international patients, particularly those visiting India on Medical or Ayush visas, by displaying package rates clearly.

Srivastava requested personal attention from Chief Secretaries and called for advisories to authorities and establishments to guarantee compliance, reinforcing India’s reputation as a trusted destination for medical and Ayush care.