The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concern over the significant disparities in medical treatment costs between government and private medical facilities. Criticizing the centre’s failure to enforce the 14-year-old clinical establishment (Central Government) rules, the Court emphasized the need for standard rates for various medical treatments and procedures.
The rules, established in 2012, mandate medical facilities to openly display service charges in the local vernacular and English.
Despite correspondences with state governments yielding no response, the Court ruled that the central government must ensure affordable healthcare, a fundamental citizen right.
The Union health secretary is directed to convene a meeting within a month to notify standard rates; otherwise, the Court may consider implementing CGHS-prescribed standardized rates.
Tapan Singhel, Chairman of the GI-Council, expressed optimism about the Apex court urging the Centre to decide on standard hospital rates, expecting benefits for citizens’ fundamental right to receive quality healthcare.
Background:
The Supreme Court, during a public interest litigation (PIL) hearing by Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life, criticized the Centre for not enforcing Clinical Establishment Rules, resulting in varied medical treatment costs. The Court directed the Union health secretary to address the issue promptly and convene a meeting with state health secretaries to ensure standard rates are notified.
The Court warned that if the Union
government fails to find a solution, it may consider the petitioner’s plea for implementing CGHS-prescribed standardized rates.