In a move aimed at ensuring transparency and safeguarding patient rights, the Madhya Pradesh Health and Medical Education Department has issued a directive mandating all private hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics in the state to prominently display the rates of medical services they offer. The order, issued by Health Commissioner Tarun Rathi, aims to provide better and transparent healthcare services to citizens.

Key Guidelines for Private Hospitals:

Mandatory Rate List Display: Hospitals must display the rate list of all medical services prominently at their counters. Patients or their families have the right to request and view the rate list.

Revised Rates Notification: Any changes to the rate list must be reported in writing to the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO). The revised rates must also be prominently displayed.

Compliance with Legal Provisions: The directive aligns with the Madhya Pradesh Upchar Griha Tatha Rujo Upchar Sambandhi Sthapna Adhiniyam, 1973, and the rules of 1997 (amended in 2021).

Penalties for Non-Compliance: Additional charges without a displayed rate list are considered a violation of regulations. Institutions found in breach of the rules will face immediate closure, and legal action will be initiated against the operators.

Fire and Electrical Safety Audits Also Mandated

In addition to the rate display rule, hospitals have been directed to conduct mandatory electrical and fire safety audits. Functional fire safety systems, including extinguishers, must be regularly inspected and refilled to ensure operational readiness.

Purpose of the Directive

The new rule is aimed at:

Protecting Patient Rights: Ensuring that patients and their families are aware of the charges for medical services.

Curbing Exploitation: Preventing incidents of arbitrary and inflated billing in private hospitals.

Promoting Transparency: Building trust between patients and healthcare providers through open disclosure of service charges.

Responsibilities of Authorities The Health Commissioner has instructed CMHOs to ensure strict compliance with these directives. Continuous monitoring and inspections will be conducted to prevent overcharging and ensure adherence to the rules.

What Happens if Rules are Violated?

Hospitals found violating these rules will face strict action, including potential closure. The government is committed to cracking down on malpractice and ensuring affordable healthcare for all citizens.

This move underscores Madhya Pradesh's efforts to enhance transparency in private healthcare services while reinforcing the accountability of healthcare institutions.