Particle.news

Download on the App Store

West Bengal Assembly Approves Private Hospital Transparency Bill

Once implemented, private clinics must display fixed rates with strict billing caps to protect patients

Overview

  • The bill mandates private hospitals and nursing homes to prominently display fixed rates and package charges at conspicuous locations.
  • It requires detailed treatment cost estimates before procedures and obliges facilities to notify any increases within 24 hours.
  • All private clinical establishments must maintain electronic medical records through approved software for patient care and regulatory audits.
  • Final hospital bills cannot exceed initial estimates by more than a percentage set by the State Health Department.
  • Opposition parties faulted the legislation for omitting provisions on medical staff safety while hospital associations praised its transparency measures.