Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has instructed private medical colleges and government hospitals to publicly disclose the details of their service fees. This initiative aims to ensure transparency and address complaints regarding excessive charges imposed on patients.

In a circular issued by the Ministry, health care institutions have been asked to publish the fees for surgeries, types of beds available, radiology services, laboratory tests, and other services either on their websites or through accessible mediums.

Additionally, hospitals are required to make information about ticket charges and other fees readily available to service seekers.

Response to Complaints
The directive follows growing complaints from patients about being overcharged by some medical institutions. Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, emphasized the importance of transparency, urging officials to ensure that fees are clearly communicated to the public.

Enforcement and Monitoring
The Ministry’s Quality Measurement and Regulation Division has issued letters to private medical colleges and government hospitals, outlining these requirements. It is also preparing to monitor compliance. Institutions found failing to publish their fees or charging patients excessively will face penalties.

This move is part of the government’s broader effort to improve accountability and accessibility in the healthcare sector, ensuring fair treatment for all service recipients.