Display health care prices prominently, says Center States

States and UTs have been asked to encourage prominent display of package prices offered to foreign patients traveling to India on medical or Ayush visas wherever possible. File | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStock

The Union Health Ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to ensure prominent display of rates charged for services and facilities offered by clinical facilities.

In a move aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and patient-centric healthcare delivery, Union Health Minister Punya Salila Srivastava, in a letter to the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, has urged compliance with regulatory provisions and ensuring that service charge information is clearly visible to patients and their attendants.

“Displaying the rates would help patients and their families understand the likely cost of treatment, make informed healthcare decisions and plan their medical expenses,” Ms. Srivastava said, adding that greater transparency would also help minimize avoidable confusion and billing disputes.

The letter refers to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules 2012.

Under the Rules, clinical facilities in states and Union Territories where the Act applies are required to display the rates charged for each type of service provided along with available facilities at a prominent place in the local language as well as in English.

Since health is a state matter, in states and Union Territories where clinical facilities are regulated by their own respective systems, several of which also contain provisions for rate display, the Health Minister has called upon the Chief Secretaries to ensure effective compliance.

The letter also places special emphasis on the transparency of health care prices for international patients.

States and UTs have been asked to encourage prominent display of package prices offered to foreign patients traveling to India on medical or Ayush visas wherever possible.

“This would enable international patients to make informed decisions, help minimize complaints related to pricing and billing, and further strengthen India’s position as a trusted destination for medical and Ayush care,” the ministry said.

Published – 12 Oct 2026 16:39 IST