The implementation of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018 has finally picked up pace in the state and the government has issued a directive directing all clinical establishments to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Act and the directions issued by the Kerala High Court in November last year.
The High Court dismissed petitions challenging the implementation of the law and expressed strong displeasure at the inordinate delay in enforcing the law. The court directed all clinical facilities in Kerala to submit an undertaking to the respective district registrars within 30 days of the judgment to comply with the provisions of the Act.
After the 30-day period, the government is now authorized to initiate action against facilities that have failed to register under the law. “Several private health institutions, which had resisted registration earlier, have now come forward to comply, especially after the Indian Medical Association also advised health facilities to register under the Act,” said JG Sanil Kumar, secretary, Kerala Clinical Establishments Council.
In a statement issued in Thiruvananthapuram, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajan Khobragade said that no clinical facility will be allowed to operate in the state without mandatory registration under the Act. He added that the council will launch a nationwide information campaign to ensure that health facilities are fully informed about the provisions of the law and the specific operational guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court. Inspections have also been launched in all districts to identify and crack down on unregistered businesses.
Under the Act, hospitals, laboratories, dental clinics, AYUSH health centers and all institutions – whether or not they have inpatient facilities – providing diagnosis or treatment are classified as clinical establishments. These institutions are required to visibly display their registration certificates.
Dr. Khobragade said all clinical facilities are mandated to provide emergency treatment in accordance with their infrastructural capacity and take all necessary steps to stabilize patients. According to the order of the High Court, urgent and life-saving treatment cannot be denied under any circumstances due to non-payment of advances or absence of documents.
Medical institutions are also required to display details such as service and treatment charges, packages, patient rights and the name, email ID and phone number of the Grievance Officer in Malayalam and English at the admission counter or reception desk. These details should also be published on the official website of the institution.
In addition, facilities should provide a brochure – either downloadable from the website or available in printed form – containing information on services offered, basic and bundled rates, advance and refund policies, insurance and non-cash treatments, billing policies and discharge procedures.
All clinical facilities should set up a complaint desk or complaint helpline to be resolved within seven working days. Serious or unresolved complaints should be referred to the District Registrar or District Medical Officer.
Any violation of the provisions of the law will attract penal action, including suspension or cancellation of registration, the government warned.
Published – 20 Jan 2026 21:04 IST
