Only 20% of Pune hospitals display rate cards; action warned for non-compliance

Treatment costs at private hospitals are rising and billing lacks transparency. To spare patients and their relatives an unnecessary financial burden, displaying a rate card of medical services and facilities in a clearly visible place has been made mandatory. Hospitals, nursing homes and clinics must display the rate card in both Marathi and English.

The state health department has directed that strict action be taken against failure to display the rate card, charging more than the declared rates or adding hidden charges. The department issued a circular on the matter in line with notices from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Under the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Rules 2021, displaying the rates of medical services and facilities is mandatory. The rule has been in force in the state since 2022. Despite this, only about 20% of clinics and hospitals in the district are following it, according to Pune IMA.

Dr Sanjay Patil, president of Pune IMA, said, "Under the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Rules 2021, displaying the rates of medical services and facilities is mandatory. Implementation began in the state in 2022. But only about 20 per cent of clinics and hospitals in the district comply with it."

If patients and their relatives know the rate for a service before treatment begins, they can plan their expenses. Knowing the likely cost will also let them compare options when choosing a hospital. Matching the rate card against the actual bill should also help reduce disputes over overcharging or billing discrepancies.

Directions have been issued for action in cases of charging more than the rate card, imposing hidden charges, or not displaying a rate card at all. Institutions that break the rules may face fines as well as cancellation of their licences. However, how effective the implementation proves will depend on how effectively complaints are investigated, bills are matched and action is actually taken.

These rules are expected to be followed by 6,735 registered hospitals, pathology labs and healthcare institutions in Pune city and district. The administration will have to check whether these institutions have displayed the rate card at the front, whether the rates on it are up to date, and whether charges in the actual bill are levied according to those rates.