Lok Sabha Question No. 2288 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-28
Subject: Regulation of Private Medical Sector
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: ANSHUL VERMA, RAJENDRA AGRAWAL, ARJUNLAL MEENA

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2288 TO BE ANSWERED ON 28 TH JULY, 2017

## REGULATION OF PRIVAT E MEDICAL SECTOR

## 2288. SHRI ANSHUL VERMA: SHRI ARJUN LAL MEENA: SHRI RAJENDRA AGRAWAL:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn towards connivance of corporate hospitals, pharmaceutical  companies  and  doctors  due to  which  the health  risks  and  cost  of treatment shoots up;
- (b) if so, the remedial action taken by the Government in this regard;
- (c)  whether  many  private  hospitals conduct  unnecessary  medical  tests/ procedures  from  the patients and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)whether the Government proposes to formulate any scheme for regulation of private medical sector and if so, the details thereof;
- (e)  the  steps  taken  for  regulation  of medical  sector  overhauling  of  healthcare system  in  the country;
- (f) whether the Governm e t proposes to set up patient friendly and simple complaint redressal forum for checking such immoral practices in the private sector and if so, the details thereof; and
- (g) if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF H EALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL )

- (a) & (b): The  Department  of  Pharmaceuticals  has,  keeping  in  view  the  reports  tha pharmaceutical  companies  indulge  in  unfair  practices,  formulated  the  'Uniform  Code  for Pharmaceutical  Marketing  Practices (UCPMP)'.  It  has  come  into  operation  with  effect  from 01.01.2015.
- (c) : The Government is aware of the reports appearing in the media from time to time ab the tests and procedures being prescribed by doctors that may not necessarily be requir Min istry  has  also  received  some  communications  on  the  subject  from  Hon.  Members  o Parliament.

(d) & (e): Health  is  a  State  subject.  The  Government  of  India  has,  however,  enacted Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and notified Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012. These provide for registration and regul of  Clinical  Establishments  including  those  in  the  private  sector  belonging  to  Allopat AYUSH  systems  of  medicine.  Therapeutic  as  well  as diagnostic  establishments  are  covered under this Act. The Act is currently applicable in ten States and all Union Territori Delhi. The enforcement of this Act is with the States/Union Territories.

(f) & (g): The  Clinical  Establishments  (Registrat ion  and  Regulation)  Act,  2010  provides sufficient scope for the States and Union Territories for effectively redressing public and checking immoral practices. Further, the MCI and State Medical Councils are empowered take  action  against  a  doc tor  for  violation  of  the  provisions  of  the  Indian  Medical  Counc (Professional  Conduct,  Etiquette  and  Ethics)  Regulation,  2002.  The  complaints  relate overcharging,  deficiency  in  medical  care,  etc.  can  also  be  filed  in  District/State Consumer Disputes Redressal Forums under the Consumer Protection Act.