Supreme Court Directs Centre to Standardize Hospital Rates Nationwide

In response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the NGO ‘Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life’, the Supreme Court has intervened, urging the central government to establish uniform rates for medical procedures across all states. The PIL shed light on significant disparities in hospital charges, prompting the apex court to take action.

Despite previous directives, the government admitted its struggle to elicit responses from states in implementing these regulations. The PIL emphasized the neglect of Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishment Rules 2012, which mandates hospitals to prominently display service charges and adhere to centrally-set rate ranges.

Warning of potential consequences, the court stated that if the Union government fails to find a solution, it would consider implementing standardized rates prescribed under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta presiding over the case have summoned the Union health secretary to ensure swift implementation within a month.

The PIL highlighted alarming discrepancies, such as cataract surgery costs ranging from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,40,000 per eye in private hospitals, compared to Rs 10,000 per eye in government facilities.

This development also aligns with the ‘Cashless Everywhere’ initiative launched by the General Insurance Council. However, challenges persist due to low consumer awareness and the absence of standardized treatment rates. Tapan Singhel, Chairman of the GI-Council, stressed the importance of fair pricing practices and highlighted concerns regarding hospitals’ reluctance towards the initiative.

The court’s intervention and initiatives like ‘Cashless Everywhere’ aim to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all citizens, reflecting a fundamental right that deserves attention and action.