Delhi Urged to Regulate Clinics: New Health Ministry Directive
The Union Health Ministry has recently urged the Delhi government to implement the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010. The directive states that clinics, laboratories, imaging centers, and AYUSH facilities in the city are currently operating without proper regulation.
In a letter dated July 21, addressed to the secretary of Delhi’s health department, the Health Ministry highlighted the limited scope of the Delhi Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1953, which only covers hospitals and nursing homes of allopathic systems. To address this gap, the Indian government introduced the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act in March 2012, mandating the registration and regulation of all types of clinical establishments in both the public and private sectors.
The purpose of implementing this act is to ensure the safety and quality of healthcare services provided by these establishments. By regulating clinics, laboratories, imaging centers, and AYUSH facilities, the government aims to protect patient interests and improve overall healthcare standards in the capital city.
Currently, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act has not been fully implemented in Delhi. The government’s letter encourages the Delhi government to take immediate actions to enforce the act and establish proper oversight of these healthcare facilities.
The directive emphasizes the importance of regulating clinical establishments that belong to all recognized systems of medicine, including government and private sectors. The government’s intention is to cover all types of healthcare facilities, regardless of the medical system they follow, to ensure the highest standards of patient care.
Implementing the act will require clinical establishments to undergo mandatory registration, adhere to specified standards, and follow the regulations set by the government. This will enable authorities to monitor and inspect these facilities regularly, ensuring that they meet the required quality and safety standards.
By regulating clinics, laboratories, imaging centers, and AYUSH facilities, the Delhi government can effectively address any potential issues related to substandard healthcare practices or negligence. Patients will benefit from improved transparency, standardized protocols, and increased accountability of these establishments.
The implementation of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act will serve as a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in Delhi. It will help create a more structured and accountable healthcare ecosystem, instilling confidence among patients and the public.
It remains to be seen how the Delhi government will respond to the Health Ministry’s directive. However, the urgency expressed by the ministry suggests the importance of regulating clinical establishments to ensure the well-being of the citizens and the quality of healthcare services in the city.
