11 states, all UTs except Delhi have adopted Clinical Establishment Act: Government

"The central government is continuously persuading the states to adopt the Act and ensure its strict implementation from time to time," Patel said.

The Clinical Establishments Act was enacted by the Centre to provide for registration and regulation of all clinical organisations in the country with a view to prescribing the minimum standards of facilities and services provided by them

The Act is applicable to all types - both therapeutic and diagnostic - of clinical establishments in public and private sectors.

Under the Act, standard treatment guidelines are specified for 227 diseases, including dengue, chikungunya and malaria. The hospitals are supposed to abide by minimum standards in terms of infrastructure, services, staff, equipment and lighting arrangements.

A technical committee is to be set up to decide on charges for treatment of diseases and procedures at clinical establishments, including private hospitals.

Health facilities are to display the charges for each procedure and facility to keep the patient informed in advance. Failure to adhere to these guidelines would result in the penalty.