Digital desk: In response to a significant disparity in hospital charges brought to light in the public interest litigation (PIL) by the NGO 'Veterans Forum for Transparency in Public Life', the SC has issued a directive to the central government to take urgent action.
The PIL drew attention to the vast difference in fees, with private hospitals charging anywhere from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,40,000 per eye for cataract surgery, while government hospitals offered the same service for up to Rs. 10,000 per eye. It emphasized the necessity for the Centre to determine and regulate fees for patients under Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishment Rules 2012.
Under Rule 9, hospitals and clinical establishments are mandated to prominently display their service rates in both the vernacular and English languages. Furthermore, they are obligated to charge fees within the range determined by the Centre in consultation with state governments. Failure to comply with these regulations jeopardizes the validity of their registrations.
A bench comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta presided over the case and directed the Union health secretary to ensure the expeditious implementation of standardized rates within the next month. The Court cautioned that if the central government failed to devise a solution, it would entertain the petitioner's request to enforce the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS)-prescribed rates.
The article highlighted that the last instance of nationwide standardized rates being enforced occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. The petitioners also said that if the states refuse to cooperate with the government's prescribed rate, the central government might exercise its authority under central legislation to notify citizens.
By compelling the central government to standardize hospital rates, the Court aims to ensure equitable access to medical services for all citizens. The upcoming month holds the promise of significant progress towards achieving this goal, pending the swift action of the central authorities.
