Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Centre Issues New Guidelines for Ventilator Use in Private Hospitals
The Indian government has made new rules for private hospitals using ventilators.
These rules say hospitals must get permission from patients or their families before using a ventilator.
They must also show the costs clearly and only charge when the ventilator is actually being used.
Hospitals have to check if the ventilator is needed after a certain time and keep good records.
If families have problems, they can complain, and the hospital must fix it.
Some doctors say these rules are good, but others think they are too strict and not really needed.
The Centre has issued new guidelines to regulate ventilator use in private hospitals, focusing on transparency and ethical practices.
Mandatory informed consent is required before initiating mechanical ventilation, including detailed explanations of risks and costs.
Hospitals must implement standardized and transparent pricing structures, publicly displaying costs of ventilator-related services.
Usage-based billing is enforced, with charges only applicable during active ventilator use for patient care.
Time-limited ventilation trials and mandatory reviews are required for prolonged use, with comprehensive documentation and grievance redressal mechanisms in place.
- Who
- The Indian government, through the Directorate General of Health Services, issued new guidelines for ventilator use in private hospitals.
- What
- The guidelines aim to ensure ethical use of ventilators, transparency in billing, and patient rights.
- When
- The guidelines were recently posted on the Directorate General of Health Services website and reviewed by Mint.
- Where
- The guidelines apply to private hospitals across India.
- Why
- To prevent financial exploitation, ensure ethical use of ventilators, and restore trust in the private healthcare system.
- Guidelines Aim
- Ensure ethical use of ventilators and prevent financial exploitation
- Informed Consent
- Mandatory for ventilator use, including explanation of risks and costs
- Billing Transparency
- Standardized pricing, public display of costs, and usage-based billing
- Duration Limits
- Time-limited trials for uncertain prognosis, mandatory reviews for use beyond 14 days
- Grievance Redressal
- Time-bound mechanisms for addressing patient concerns
- Market Value
- Indian ventilator market valued at $207 million in 2024, projected to reach $351.12 million by 2032
- Private Hospitals
- 43,486 private hospitals nationwide, according to AHPI