Health · Healthcare & Policy · 8 hrs ago
India asks states to ensure hospitals display service rates
India’s Union Health Ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to make sure clinical establishments clearly display their rates for services and facilities.
The request was sent by Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava to the chief secretaries of the states and territories.
Under a national law and rules, establishments in places where that law applies must show rates for each service and available facilities in a visible place, in both the local language and English.
In places governed by their own rules, several state and territory frameworks also require rates to be displayed.
The ministry says visible prices can help patients and their families estimate treatment costs, make decisions and plan spending.
It has also asked states and territories to encourage the display of package rates for foreign patients travelling to India on medical or Ayush visas, where applicable.
States and territories are responsible for putting the relevant rules into effect and ensuring compliance.
The Union Health Ministry has asked all States and Union Territories to ensure clinical establishments prominently display rates for their services and facilities.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava called on Chief Secretaries to review compliance with applicable rules and take steps to ensure charges are visible and accessible.
Where the Clinical Establishments Act applies, establishments must display rates for each service and available facilities in a conspicuous place, in English and the local language.
States and Union Territories have also been asked to encourage display of package rates for foreign patients travelling to India on medical or Ayush visas, wherever applicable.
The Ministry said visible rates can help patients plan costs and make informed choices, while reducing confusion and billing-related grievances.
- Who
- The Union Health Ministry and Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava asked State and Union Territory Chief Secretaries to act.
- What
- They were asked to ensure clinical establishments clearly display rates for services and facilities, and to encourage display of package rates for foreign patients wherever applicable.
- When
- October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Across India’s States and Union Territories.
- Why
- To improve pricing transparency, help patients make informed choices and plan costs, and reduce billing-related grievances.
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- Request
- States and Union Territories asked to ensure clinical establishments display service rates
- Official
- Punya Salila Srivastava, Union Health Secretary
- Law
- Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010
- Rules
- Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012
- Required display
- Rates for services and facilities in English and the local language where the Act applies
- International patients
- Package rates for medical or Ayush visa patients should be prominently displayed wherever applicable
What people are saying
Display of rates would help patients and their families understand the likely cost of treatment, make informed healthcare decisions, and plan their medical expenditure
Under the Rules, Clinical Establishments in States and UTs where the Act is applicable are required to display the rates charged for each type of service provided and facilities available at a conspicuous place, in the local language as well as in English, for the benefit of patients and their attendants.
Sources
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