Centre Asks States to Display Healthcare Service Rates

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked all States and Union Territories to make sure that clinical establishments put up the rates they charge for their services and facilities where patients can actually see them. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava wrote to the Chief Secretaries of every State and Union Territory, as announced on 12 October 2026, asking them to review how far the existing rules are being followed and to take steps so that charge information is clearly visible and easy to reach.

The legal basis

The letter rests on the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012. Under the Rules, in States and Union Territories where the Act applies, a clinical establishment must display the rate charged for each type of service it provides and each facility it offers, at a conspicuous place, in the local language as well as in English, for patients and those accompanying them. Where the Act does not apply, establishments are governed by the State or Union Territory's own framework, and several of these also carry provisions on displaying rates.

Why it matters for patients

• Patients and their families can work out the likely cost of treatment before it begins.
• They can make an informed choice and plan medical spending.
• Avoidable confusion and disputes over bills are reduced.
• Trust and confidence in the health system are strengthened.

Who enforces it

The letter recognises that health is a State subject and that putting the rules into effect, and enforcing them, rests with the respective States and Union Territories. The Health Secretary has therefore asked the Chief Secretaries to secure compliance through the authorities concerned, to issue advisories to those authorities and to clinical establishments, and to ensure rates go up at conspicuous, clearly visible and easily accessible places in line with the applicable regulations.

Medical tourism in view

The letter puts particular weight on pricing transparency for patients from abroad. States and Union Territories have been asked to encourage the prominent display, wherever it applies, of the package rates offered to foreign patients who come to India on Medical or Ayush Visas. The ministry expects this to help international patients choose with full information, to cut down grievances about pricing and billing, and to strengthen India's standing as a trusted destination for medical and Ayush care. The Health Secretary has sought the personal attention of the Chief Secretaries on the matter, framing the move as part of the wider effort to make health care delivery transparent, accountable and centred on the patient.