Refining the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act

June 5, 2023

The Union Health Ministry is actively working to refine the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, with the aim of improving transparency and regulation within the healthcare system. This move will have a significant impact on various types of clinics and healthcare providers across the country.

Expanding the Scope of Registration

Under the refined Act, not only hospitals but also hair transplant centres, skin and cosmetology clinics, dental cosmetology clinics, and therapy centres may be required to register. This step ensures that a wide range of clinical establishments fall under the purview of the Act, fostering greater accountability and patient safety.

Objectives of the Act

The primary objective of registering these clinics under the Act is to bring transparency to the healthcare system and regulate private healthcare providers. By mandating registration, the Act aims to protect patients from potential exploitation by clinics offering surgical procedures in the name of beauty. This measure ensures that healthcare services adhere to minimum standards and follow ethical practices.

Implementation Status

While some states have already implemented the Clinical Establishments Act, there are a few, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Telangana, that are yet to do so. In light of this, the health ministry is considering making the Act compulsory for all states to ensure uniformity and standardization in healthcare practices across the country.

The New Website and Provisions

The health ministry is developing a dedicated website for the Act, which will offer a range of provisions and services. This online platform will facilitate both provisional and permanent registration of clinical establishments, ensuring a streamlined process. Additionally, the website will feature a payment gateway, online grievance redressal mechanism, and appeal mechanism, enabling efficient interactions between stakeholders.

Committee for Minimum Standards

To further enhance the quality of healthcare services, the health ministry has constituted a committee to draft minimum standards for various clinical establishments. This step ensures that all registered clinics adhere to specific guidelines and protocols, promoting patient safety and standardization of healthcare practices.

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