The Kerala High Court has issued a significant order aimed at increasing transparency in the healthcare sector. All hospitals in the state must now display their services, treatment charges, and ambulance details clearly at the reception desk. This step is expected to protect patients from hidden charges, improve trust, and ensure informed decision-making in medical emergencies.
Why the High Court Issued This Order
The decision comes after multiple complaints from patients and families about unclear pricing, unexpected medical bills, and lack of information regarding emergency ambulance services. The court emphasized that:
Patients have the right to know the cost of treatment in advance.
Hospitals must maintain complete transparency regarding services offered.
There should be no ambiguity about ambulance availability or charges.
Key Directions Issued to All Hospitals in Kerala
1. Mandatory Display of Services
Hospitals must list all medical services they offer, including emergency care, specialty departments, diagnostic tests, and surgeries.
2. Clear Rate Charts
Treatment charges, consultation fees, room rents, diagnostic costs, and procedure rates must be displayed clearly at the reception in readable format.
3. Ambulance Information
Hospitals must provide:
Availability
Rates per kilometre
Emergency response details
Contact information for quick access
4. Regular Updates Required
Hospitals must ensure that the displayed information is updated regularly to avoid discrepancies.
5. Transparency for Patients and Families
This rule ensures that families are not misled or charged unexpectedly during emergency situations.
Impact on Patients and the Healthcare Ecosystem
The order ensures:
Fair pricing
Reduction in billing disputes
Improved trust in healthcare institutions
Faster decision-making during emergencies
Patients can now compare pricing and service quality before committing to treatments.
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FAQs
1. What did the Kerala High Court order hospitals to display?
Hospitals must display all services, treatment rates, and ambulance information clearly at the reception area.
2. Why were these directions issued?
They were issued due to complaints about hidden charges, lack of transparency, and confusion during medical emergencies.
3. Do these rules apply to private hospitals?
Yes. The order applies to both private and public hospitals across Kerala.
4. How does this help patients?
Patients can make informed decisions, avoid excessive bills, and understand service availability upfront.
5. Will ambulance charges also be regulated?
While rates are not fixed, hospitals must clearly disclose their ambulance charges and related policies.
source credit : Ashish Shaji
Published on : 27th November
Published by : RAHAMATH
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