Kerala introduces Clinical Establishments Bill, Doctors show Opposition

Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association general secretary Dr Raoof AK told TOI "It is unclear how it be implemented in the government sector. If government decides that only NABH accredited hospitals will be exempted from inspection, then small hospitals will lose out and in the long run treatment cost will increase. Though the aim is to maintain quality, one is unsure whether the purpose will be served. Also, most government hospitals don't have NABH accreditation."

Speaking to Deccan, he stated, “There are uncertainties on how it would be implemented in the public sector. A lion’s share of government health care institutions do not meet public health standards which stipulates the staff pattern and infrastructure. As the standardization of these institutions remains a distant dream, the public sector should be exempted from the purview of the bill. Otherwise it would jeopardize the purpose of the bill. “It may be noted that Kerala has a registration system under Kerala panchayat act and Kerala Municipalities act for clinical establishments."

“There is inadequate representation of government nominees from modern medicine in these two empowered committees. Considering the fact that more than 90 per cent of the health care is delivered by modern medicine, it is only logical that it is proportionately represented in these bodies. Government nominees would ensure transparency in these licensing and registering bodies," he added.