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Punjab's Health Act Still Unimplemented Six Years Later
21 Aug
Summary
- Punjab has not implemented the Clinical Establishments Act six years after notification.
- The Act aims to regulate private health facilities for better quality and safety.
- Doctors' association fears corruption and seeks exemptions for smaller facilities.
Punjab has yet to enforce the Clinical Establishments Act, enacted by the Union government in 2010, despite notifying it in October 2020. Six years later, the state has not framed the necessary rules, leaving private health facilities unregulated. The Act is designed to improve healthcare quality, standardize services, ensure cost transparency, and enhance patient safety by mandating registration and setting minimum standards for infrastructure and staffing.
Health experts note that the absence of this regulatory framework hinders the health department's ability to control malpractices by private providers. Punjab's Health Minister stated that the government is consulting private healthcare providers to build consensus on certain provisions and is hopeful of implementing the legislation soon. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Punjab, has voiced opposition, arguing the Act could increase corruption and has requested exemptions for facilities with fewer than 50 beds.
