The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has asked all States and Union Territories to make sure that hospitals, clinics and other clinical establishments prominently display the rates they charge for their services and facilities. The ministry announced the step on 12 October 2026.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava has written to the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs. The letter asks them to review how far the existing rules are being followed and to take steps so that information on charges is clearly visible and easy for patients and their attendants to find.
What the rules already say
The letter refers to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012.
Under these Rules, a clinical establishment in a State or UT where the Act applies must display the rates charged for each type of service it provides and for the facilities available. The display must be at a conspicuous place, in the local language as well as in English.
The Act does not apply everywhere. In States and UTs where it is not in force, clinical establishments are regulated under that State's or UT's own law. According to the ministry, several of these State frameworks also have provisions on displaying rates.
Why the Centre has written now
The ministry's statement says that a clear display of rates helps patients and families to:
- understand the likely cost of treatment,
- make informed decisions about care, and
- plan their medical spending.
It adds that greater transparency would reduce avoidable confusion and billing-related disputes and build trust in health services.
Who has to enforce it
Health is a State subject, and enforcing these provisions is the job of the States and UTs. The Centre's letter is therefore a request, not a new rule. The Health Secretary has asked Chief Secretaries to give the matter their personal attention and to issue advisories to the authorities concerned and to clinical establishments, so that rates are displayed at clearly visible and easily accessible places as the applicable regulations require.
The statement does not set a deadline for States, and it does not announce any new penalty.
Package rates for foreign patients
The letter gives separate attention to international patients. States and UTs have been asked to encourage hospitals to display, wherever applicable, the package rates offered to foreign patients who travel to India on Medical or Ayush Visas. The ministry says this would help such patients make informed choices and reduce complaints about pricing and billing.
What it means for you
- In States and UTs where the Clinical Establishments Act applies, the rate list for services is meant to be on display in the local language and in English. You can look for it or ask for it at the reception or billing counter before treatment starts.
- Whether the central Act or a State law applies depends on where the hospital or clinic is located.
- The ministry's statement covers the display of rates. It does not fix or cap what a hospital may charge.
- A dispute over a bill is a separate matter. For how consumer forums work in general, see our guide on how to file a consumer complaint online through the National Consumer Helpline and consumer commissions.
What happens next
It is now for each State and UT to issue its own advisory and check compliance through its authorities. Any dates or inspection plans would come from the State governments.
