Implementation of Kerala clinical establishments Act will affect small hospitals, say private hospital forum and IMA

Key Points

1. Kerala High Court upheld the validity of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulations) Act 2018.
2. The Kerala Private Hospital Association (KPHA) and the Indian Medical Association (Kerala Chapter) [IMA] opposed the Act.
3. KPHA claims the Act could force small and medium hospitals to shut down.
4. The KCE Act mandates registration of clinical establishments and maintenance of minimum standards.
5. The Act requires hospitals to display rates for procedures to ensure transparency.
6. KPHA and IMA argued that publishing 'type of service' and 'package rates' is vague and impractical.
7. Small hospitals fear being overburdened by the Act's requirements, such as stabilizing accident victims.
8. Health department sources claim the Act has provisions for grievance redressal and legal recourse.
9. The court stated the Act operationalizes constitutional duties through registration, standards, and transparency.