Kerala HC Upholds Clinical Establishments Act, Directing Hospitals to Follow Strict Patient-Transparency Norms

The Kerala High Court has upheld key provisions of the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2018, and issued detailed directions to ensure transparency in hospital services. 

The Bench ruled that hospitals must prominently display services, facilities, and procedural rates at reception areas and on official websites, in Malayalam and English. 

The Court also mandated grievance desks, time-bound complaint resolution, ensured documented emergency care, and regular compliance audits.

The Court held the Act is a valid public-health regulation aimed at safeguarding patient rights and ensuring accountability across private hospitals.

[Kerala Private Hospitals Association & Anr v. State of Kerala & Ors. and connected cases]