7-member team to inspect Ranchi Hospitals over failure to display mandatory rate charts
Ranchi: Patients visiting hospitals and nursing homes in Ranchi may continue to face difficulties in accessing clear information about treatment costs, as several government and private healthcare facilities have allegedly failed to display mandatory rate charts despite a directive from the Civil Surgeon.
On October 29, Civil Surgeon Dr Amarendra Prasad directed all nursing homes, hospitals, clinics and other clinical establishments across the district to prominently display item-wise charges for medical services, including consultation fees, diagnostic tests, bed charges and other treatment-related expenses.
The directive also mandated that healthcare facilities display details of doctors available on their premises, including their names, qualifications, registration numbers, and duty timings. Additionally, establishments were instructed to display valid and updated registration certificates at reception counters and other locations easily accessible to patients and visitors.
However, several healthcare facilities have yet to implement the directive, including Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Sadar Hospital and private medical establishments in areas such as Bariatu and Lalpur, TOI reported.
An employee at a private hospital in Bariatu said no inspection had been conducted at the facility so far. The employee added that patients were not asking for information about treatment rates but assured that the hospital would display the charts soon.
Speaking to TOI, the Ranchi civil surgeon said, “The directive was issued to curb excessive charges levied by private hospitals on patients. Establishments have already been given sufficient time to implement the order. A seven-member team has been constituted to inspect healthcare facilities and verify compliance. Disciplinary action will be taken against hospitals found violating the directive.”
The lack of transparency has also been highlighted by patients visiting government hospitals. Amar Kumar, a resident of Ratu Road who visited RIMS on Tuesday, said a duty chart mentioning doctors available at the outpatient departments (OPDs) was displayed at the registration counter, but he could not find any rate chart detailing the charges for diagnostic tests and other facilities.
The directive also requires hospitals and nursing homes to clearly communicate the medical services available at their establishments and inform patients about their rights. It specifically seeks to prevent healthcare providers from imposing charges that have not been disclosed in advance.
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