The Hindu Business Line : Bill to regulate clinical establishments planned

THE Health Ministry has initiated the process of putting in place the Clinical Establishments (Regulation and Accreditation) Bill to regulate the healthcare system and has proposed setting up a National Council as an apex policy making body.

According to a draft Bill, the Ministry is planning to put in place a three-tier implementing mechanism comprising the National Council that will develop different standards for different categories of clinical establishments, State-level Clinical Establishments Regulation Boards and District Authorities for implementation of the provisions of the Bill.

Addressing a consultation meeting with representatives of professional bodies, the Health Minister, Dr A. Ramadoss, said that the Clinical Establishments' Bill will bring the entire country under its ambit and will be applicable both to private and Government establishments.

"At present, six States have such laws but the implementation has been poor. The existing legislations would be considered and streamlined for uniformity while keeping in mind the federal structure in the Constitution," he added.

While the Government is not in favour of making it mandatory for hospitals or diagnostic centres to go in for accreditation, every establishment would have to register themselves. This would be valid for a period of three years. "While accreditation is essential to promote medical tourism, it is up to the healthcare providers to go in for a rating," the Minister added.

Ms Bhavani Thyagarajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health, said, "Currently, different Acts govern registration of different kinds of establishments. For instance, use of any instrument emitting radiation requires registration under Atomic Energy Regulations, hospital waste disposal has to meet standards notified under Environmental (Protection) Act and so on." Hence, a uniform law to ensure minimum health standards is being proposed.

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