West Bengal Cracks Down on Overcharging in Private Healthcare

The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission has asked private healthcare establishments to report the number of patients treated under the state’s 'Swasthya Sathi' scheme. This directive follows patient complaints about inflated hospital bills. The Commission advises hospitals to reserve 10% of beds for scheme beneficiaries.

The West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission has taken a firm stance against overcharging in private healthcare facilities. On Monday, it directed hospitals to disclose how many patients received treatment under the 'Swasthya Sathi' scheme.

This move comes amid mounting patient complaints about inflated bills for surgeries and amenities. At a meeting attended by representatives from 47 healthcare facilities, the Commission aimed to discuss various patient care issues.

The Commission has urged hospitals to reassess patient expenses to avoid overcharging and proposed reserving 10% of beds for 'Swasthya Sathi' beneficiaries, aiming to enhance service delivery and affordability.

(With inputs from agencies.)