Allahabad HC flags huge disparity in private hospital charges, seeks regulation

The Allahabad High Court has questioned the steep variation in private hospital charges and sought stronger regulation. It said patients cannot be burdened with exorbitant bills merely because they need treatment.Private hospital fees need regulation, says Allahabad HC, seeks govt action. (File photo)The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns over the wide gap in fees and other charges levied by private hospitals and clinical establishments, saying patients should not be "fleeced" with exorbitant bills simply because they are ill. The court said the issue of regulating the fees charged by such establishments needs to be addressed by the Centre and state governments, either through fresh legislation or changes to the existing law.The court has also sought district-wise details of private hospitals set up with government assistance, including subsidised land or other benefits, and the conditions imposed on them to provide subsidised treatment or treatment to economically weaker sections. The matter, arising from a public interest litigation filed by Lucknow-based NGO We The People, will next be heard on September 21.A Lucknow bench of justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla made the observations in an order dated August 6. The bench noted that the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 was enacted to prescribe minimum standards for facilities and services and to improve public health, but it apparently did not provide an adequate mechanism to ensure uniformity or rationality in medical treatment charges.Referring to Rule 9 of the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012, the court said clinical establishments are required to display rates for services and facilities and charge within the range of rates determined by the Centre in consultation with states. "Although variations in charges depending upon the nature of establishments may be justified, huge disparity resulting in the common man being fleeced on account of illness and treatment would not be acceptable," the bench observed. The court also asked whether the National Council of Clinical Establishments, which is mandated under the 2010 Act to develop and periodically review minimum standards, had been set up and was functioning. It sought similar details about the State Council and its functioning in Uttar Pradesh.The bench directed the authorities to provide details of inspections carried out by the Lucknow District Registering Authority under Section 33 of the Act and the action taken after them. It also asked for year-wise details of the authority's functions over the past five years, including whether private clinical establishments were maintaining medical records as required under the rules. The state government has been directed to file a supplementary affidavit covering these issues, including the grievance redressal mechanism available to patients facing deficiencies in services at private hospitals. Overall, the court's order focuses on the regulation of private hospital charges, compliance with the law, and safeguards for patients.- EndsWith PTI inputsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 14, 2026 22:45 IST