Six years after the implementation of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, Punjab is yet to enforce the law that aims to regulate healthcare facilities and curb unethical medical practices. This delay has left the regulation of private hospitals and clinical establishments in a state of limbo, with no effective mechanism to check alleged overcharging and profiteering by healthcare providers. The Act mandates registration and regulation of healthcare facilities to ensure improved quality of care, standardized services, transparency in costs, and better patient safety. It also seeks to benefit patients by ensuring accountability, reducing quackery through mandatory registration, and prescribing minimum standards for infrastructure and staffing.
In my opinion, the delay in enforcing this act is concerning. It raises a deeper question about the commitment of the Punjab government to ensure quality healthcare for its citizens. The Act has been adopted in 19 states/UTs, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram, and Sikkim. This means that other states have been successful in implementing the act, so why is Punjab struggling?
One thing that immediately stands out is the need for better coordination between the central and state governments. The Centre has been regularly reviewing the implementation of the law and asking states to ensure mandatory registration and standardized healthcare norms. However, Punjab has admitted that implementation of the Act is not feasible without notification of the rules. This suggests a lack of communication and collaboration between the two levels of government.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the potential impact on patients. According to National Statistics Office data for 2025, average out-of-pocket expenditure per hospitalisation case in Punjab stood at Rs 35,703, higher than the national average of Rs 34,064. This highlights the financial burden on patients and the need for regulation to prevent overcharging and profiteering.
From my perspective, the Punjab government should take immediate action to frame the rules under the Clinical Establishments Act and implement Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs). This would help regulate the rates charged by private hospitals and protect patients from high out-of-pocket expenditure. The draft rules are ready, and the government should consult with stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation process.
In conclusion, the delay in enforcing the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act in Punjab is a cause for concern. It raises questions about the commitment of the government to ensure quality healthcare for its citizens. The government should take immediate action to frame the rules and implement the act to protect patients from financial burden and ensure accountability in the healthcare system.
