The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns over the “huge disparity” in fees and other charges levied by private hospitals and clinical establishments, observing that patients should not be “fleeced” with exorbitant bills merely because they are ill.
The court has also sought district-wise details of private hospitals established with government assistance, including subsidised land or other benefits, and the conditions imposed on them for providing subsidised treatment or treatment to economically weaker sections. It sought similar information regarding the State Council and its functioning in Uttar Pradesh. In its August 6 order, the court noted that the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 was enacted to prescribe minimum standards of facilities and services and improve public health, but apparently did not provide an adequate mechanism to ensure uniformity or rationality in medical treatment charges. The court referred to Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, which requires clinical establishments to display rates for services and facilities and charge within the range of rates determined by the Centre in consultation with states. The court also questioned whether the National Council of Clinical Establishments, mandated under the 2010 Act to develop and periodically review minimum standards, had been established and was functional.
