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Keralam to Regulate Private Hospital Costs, Combat Exploitation
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News18•01-10-2026, 20:45
Keralam to Regulate Private Hospital Costs, Combat Exploitation
- •The Keralam government plans to introduce legislation to regulate treatment costs in private hospitals, addressing concerns about excessive exploitation of patients.
- •A four-member committee, chaired by the Health Department Principal Secretary, will draft the bill and consult with private hospitals and stakeholders.
- •The committee will examine treatment costs, including medicine prices, diagnostic tests, room rent, and various procedures, to recommend reductions and improve transparency.
- •The proposed law aims to ensure patients receive clear cost information upfront and that bills itemize charges, with a focus on transparency in medicine pricing.
- •The government acknowledges private hospitals' contributions but seeks to balance their operating costs with ensuring affordable healthcare for all citizens.
Key Questions Answered
The Keralam government plans to introduce a new legislation to regulate treatment costs in private hospitals, ensuring greater transparency, patient safety, and affordability for ordinary citizens.
The four-member committee tasked with preparing the draft bill will be headed by the Health Department Principal Secretary.
The panel will evaluate treatment expenses, including medicine prices, diagnostic tests, room rents, and charges for procedures, while ensuring medicines are sold below MRP and patients are informed of expected costs beforehand.