Stories
Hospitals Must Display All Charges From Blood Tests To X Rays Centre Issues Directives
N
News18•12-10-2026, 15:18
Hospitals Must Display All Charges From Blood Tests To X Rays Centre Issues Directives
- •The central government has directed all hospitals and clinics to clearly display their treatment rates to help patients estimate expenses.
- •Union Health Secretary wrote a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories to ensure compliance and reduce billing disputes.
- •Hospitals treating foreign patients on medical and AYUSH visas must also prominently display price information for treatment packages.
- •Under Section 9 of the Clinical Establishments Act, authorities have the power to regulate rates, though the law currently applies in 19 states and UTs.
Key Questions Answered
The central government has directed all hospitals and clinics to clearly display their treatment rates, including charges for tests like blood tests and X-rays, so patients can estimate expenses before treatment begins.
This step aims to increase cost transparency, eliminate ambiguity regarding expenses, and help reduce billing disputes between patients and hospitals.
Yes, hospitals must prominently display price information and treatment package rates for foreign patients visiting India on medical and AYUSH visas.
