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Health
Punjab Lacks Mechanism to Control Private Hospital Charges Six Years After Clinical Establishments Law
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 05 Aug 2026, 01:48 PM
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Despite the 2018 Clinical Establishments Act, Punjab still has no system to regulate private hospital charges, leaving patients exposed to high costs.
The 2018 Clinical Establishments Act was designed to standardise medical facilities and protect patients, but Punjab has not yet set up a regulatory framework for private hospital charges.
Without a pricing mechanism, private hospitals can set fees arbitrarily, creating wide cost disparities and financial strain for patients.
Health officials point to administrative delays and the absence of an enforcement body as reasons for the gap.
Advocacy groups demand immediate action to establish a pricing board or guidelines that ensure transparency and affordability for all patients.
Without a pricing mechanism, private hospitals can set fees arbitrarily, creating wide cost disparities and financial strain for patients.
Health officials point to administrative delays and the absence of an enforcement body as reasons for the gap.
Advocacy groups demand immediate action to establish a pricing board or guidelines that ensure transparency and affordability for all patients.