CONRWA demands transparency and uniform pricing in private hospitals, Writes to Union Health Minister

patients and their families are often not provided with complete information regarding treatment procedures and costs.

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Ankita Sharma
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A memorandum sent to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlights concerns over arbitrary medical charges and lack of transparency in private hospitals.
A memorandum sent to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda highlights concerns over arbitrary medical charges and lack of transparency in private hospitals.

Noida : The Confederation of NCR Resident Welfare Associations (CONRWA) has written to Jagat Prakash Nadda seeking strict regulations to ensure transparency and uniformity in the fee structure of private hospitals across the country. In a memorandum dated May 21, 2026, the residents’ body raised concerns over arbitrary charges levied by private hospitals for treatment, surgeries, diagnostic tests and other medical services. The organisation stated that patients and their families are often not provided with complete information regarding treatment procedures and costs.

Demand for fixed maximum rates for medical services

CONRWA appreciated the Central Government’s decision to cap cardiac stent prices, stating that the move benefited millions of heart patients. However, the organisation alleged that hospitals continue to charge excessive amounts under other heads, such as stent implantation procedures and post-treatment care, reducing the benefit of the capped prices.

The organisation has demanded that maximum rates for all treatments, surgeries, tests and medical services should be fixed nationwide. It suggested that these charges should not exceed the rates approved by insurance companies or those fixed by the Central and State governments.

According to the memorandum, if hospitals can provide treatment to insured patients and government employees at predetermined rates, there is no justification for charging higher amounts from common citizens who often make direct payments.

Transparency in the billing system sought

The memorandum also criticised the package billing system followed by many private hospitals. CONRWA stated that hospitals often charge large amounts through medical packages without giving a clear breakdown of costs.

To improve transparency, the organisation demanded that every service and item should be separately mentioned in bills so patients can clearly understand the charges being levied.

Major suggestions submitted by CONRWA

The residents’ body placed several recommendations before the Health Ministry to improve accountability and transparency in private healthcare institutions.

Display of test and treatment charges

CONRWA demanded that rates of all diagnostic tests, medical procedures, surgeries and consultation fees should be prominently displayed on notice boards inside hospitals. Printed rate booklets should also be made available for citizens.

Uniform operation charges

The organisation suggested that operation charges should not vary according to the category of room chosen by the patient, such as general ward, semi-private or deluxe rooms, since the surgical procedure remains the same.

Public information on beds and rooms

The memorandum sought a clear public display of the number and charges of all room categories, including ICU and ICCU beds. It also demanded transparency regarding beds reserved for economically weaker sections and their availability.

Proper communication with families

CONRWA urged the government to ensure that patient attendants regularly receive accurate updates regarding the condition and treatment of patients, especially those admitted in ICU and ICCU wards.

Freedom to purchase medicines from outside

The organisation also demanded that hospitals should provide written prescriptions and allow attendants the option to purchase medicines either from the hospital pharmacy or from outside markets. It is alleged that hospitals often charge medicines at the maximum retail price despite lower market rates being available.

Allegation of differential billing practices

The memorandum claimed that hospitals frequently charge lower rates when bills are paid through insurance companies or government departments, while patients making direct payments are charged significantly higher amounts for the same services.

Calling the practice discriminatory and unfair, CONRWA urged the government to ensure that private hospitals do not charge citizens more than approved insurance or government reimbursement rates.

Better facilities for patient attendants requested

Apart from billing reforms, the organisation also demanded adequate and dignified waiting areas for attendants and family members of patients admitted in ICU, ICCU and CCU wards.

The memorandum has also been forwarded to Droupadi Murmu, Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for necessary action.

CONRWA stated that implementing these reforms would help ensure affordable, transparent and accessible healthcare services for millions of citizens across the country.

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