Private Hospital Rooms More Expensive Than 5-Star Hotels: Swati Maliwal Raises Issue in Rajya Sabha

During the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal expressed concern over the rampant overcharging by private hospitals under the pretext of medical treatment. She urged the government to implement the Clinical Establishment Act across all states, ensure emergency treatment is provided before billing, and promote transparent billing practices in private healthcare facilities.

Speaking in the Upper House on Monday, Maliwal highlighted the financial burden faced by ordinary families when seeking treatment in private hospitals. “Today, when a patient visits a private hospital in an emergency, families often have to mortgage their home and jewelry to afford care,” she said. She added that hospitals first inquire about medical insurance, and once coverage is confirmed, arbitrary charges begin to accumulate.

Maliwal pointed out that hospital admission often requires an advance of ₹50,000–₹1,00,000. “The rent for hospital rooms is higher than that of 5-star hotels. Once admitted, charges for items such as thermometers, sanitizers, and gloves are automatically added to the bill. Medicines that are available at discounted rates outside are billed at full price within the hospital. Even diagnostic tests are only accepted if conducted within the hospital,” she said.

She further criticized inflated diagnostic tests and the prescription of costlier medicines in place of generic alternatives, leading to unnecessary expenses for patients. Maliwal also highlighted hidden charges in hospital bills that place an additional burden on patients.

Medical Insurance Concerns

The MP raised concerns over rising medical insurance premiums, noting that high premiums force many to drop coverage. She added that insurance companies frequently reject claims for minor technical reasons, compounding the challenges faced by patients.

Maliwal emphasized that the Clinical Establishment Act, enacted in 2010 to regulate private healthcare costs and empower states to fix maximum medical rates, has been adopted by only 12 states. “Even Delhi has yet to implement this crucial law,” she said.

Four Key Demands by Swati Maliwal:

1. Implementation of the Clinical Establishment Act across all states.
2. Legal provision to provide emergency care first, with billing afterwards.
3. Transparent and fair hospital billing practices.
4. Strict monitoring of rising insurance premiums.

She concluded by stressing the need for improved facilities in government hospitals, urging the government to prioritize solutions for issues affecting ordinary citizens seeking healthcare.