Standardised bill for all hospitals soon

Itemised breakdown of all charges incurred by the patient to be mentioned in the bills; BIS has formulated draft

- KAVITA BAJELI-DATT @ New Delhi

THE Centre will soon release a standardised format for hospital bills applicable to all clinical establishments, including hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centres. The format will require them to provide a clear and itemised breakdown of all charges incurred by the patient to ensure greater transparency and uniformity.

If the draft being formulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) after it initiated the process last year to standardise and enhance transparency in the billing process at all healthcare centres, gets approval, it is likely to make hospital treatment more consumer centric.

The standard being developed by BIS and the Union health ministry, in consultation with healthcare sector experts, patient advocacy groups and other stakeholders, will help patients get itemised details for all consumables, services, medical facilities, etc.

The draft also prescribes mandatory and optional elements to be included in hospital bills issued by healthcare facilities nationwide.