1362 private hospitals are yet to register in govt scheme that ensures better medical service to patients

Wednesday 02 November, 2022 | 1:21 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Although it’s been four years after the implementation of the law to register and control all government and private hospitals in the state to ensure better service to patients, 1362 private hospitals haven’t registered until now. The Kerala Private Hospitals Association has taken a stay from the High Court against the law. The government is not ready to waive the stay or have a discussion.

The Kerala Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act passed by the Legislative Assembly in February 2018 came into force in January 2019. The act applies to all allopathy, ayurveda, homoeopathy, siddha, unani and naturopathy hospitals, labs and other health institutions including scanning centres in the government and private sectors. The law ensures services including quality treatment at fair rates to patients and taking action against malpractices such as medical negligence.

According to the law, health facilities must obtain a license within four years after the registration at Clinical Establishment Council. License should be given from January 2023. 1362 private hospitals have not registered. Out of 7074 registered institutions, most are government hospitals.

As per law:

*Hospitals and labs should publicise the rates.

*If the patient requests, medical expenses should be made available.

*In case of excessive charges, the hospital will have to shut down.

*If the disease is serious, the patient should be transferred to a better hospital.

*Violation of the law is punishable with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.

*If the offense is serious, the registration will be cancelled.

Argument of private hospitals

*Only restrictions are in the law.

*Hospitals are not responsible for transferring patients for further treatment.

*The owners' representatives were excluded from the state and district committees.

Registered 7075