Maharashtra hospitals to have rate cards soon

Hospitals in Maharashtra have to keep a rate card for treatment of different diseases soon. This is one of the decisions taken by the 19-member state government-appointed committee on Maharashtra specific Clinical Establishment Act.

The Act has been a topic of debate since 2012 due to its tilt towards patients' rights and the highhanded approach towards clinical establishments.

State health secretary Meeta Lochan said, "It will be necessary for the hospitals to display rate card for the treatment provided in the hospital. This will bring transparency in the healthcare system and the patient will get a fair idea about the estimated cost. However, the draft has no mention of standardisation of rates of the treatment procedures which will be taken later."

The draft was uploaded on the government website last month for public opinion after which the committee members had rounds of meeting with the stakeholders, including clinic owners, doctors, and collected their viewpoints before submitting the final draft.

Dr Kishor Taori, president of Maharashtra Medical Council, said: "We have tried our best to protect both the rights of patients and doctors and bring transparency in the healthcare system in the state."