Has the West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill Been Passed by the Assembly?
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Synopsis
In a significant legislative move, the West Bengal Assembly has passed the Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at improving billing transparency in private healthcare. This bill addresses mounting complaints and seeks to safeguard patients from unexpected costs. Will this new legislation transform the healthcare landscape in the state?
Key Takeaways
- The West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill aims to improve billing transparency.
- It addresses complaints against private medical facilities.
- Concerns about safety for female healthcare staff were raised in the debate.
- Legislation will be sent to the Governor for assent.
- The Monsoon session is ongoing, with further discussions planned.
Kolkata, June 17 (NationPress) The West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, designed to tackle the persistent complaints received by the state Health Department regarding the lack of transparency in billing practices at private medical facilities, was successfully passed by the state Assembly on Tuesday.
The legislation received approval on the seventh day of the ongoing Monsoon Session and will soon be presented to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose for his assent before it officially becomes law.
While discussing the bill, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari raised concerns that the safety of female doctors, nurses, patients, and security staff was not adequately addressed within the proposed legislation.
Chandrima Bhattacharya, the Minister of State for Finance (independent charge) and Health, emphasized that the primary objective of the new bill is to enhance transparency in the billing procedures of private medical establishments in West Bengal.
She pointed out that many private healthcare facilities tend to charge patients extra beyond the amounts outlined in their treatment packages. Furthermore, the officials at these establishments often fail to provide sufficient explanations to patients’ families regarding these additional charges.
"The core intention is to eradicate the potential for hidden costs. Sometimes, the fees may surpass the amounts disclosed in the packages. However, it is the responsibility of the relevant medical establishments to justify why extra charges are necessary," Bhattacharya stated.
On the following day, the West Bengal Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 will also be introduced for debate in the Assembly.
The Monsoon session of the West Bengal Assembly commenced on Monday, but the house was adjourned after “Obituary Mentions” in accordance with protocol. It resumed on Tuesday and is scheduled to continue for the next two weeks.
Point of View
The passing of the West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill, 2025, exemplifies a growing recognition of the need for accountability in private healthcare. While the bill is a step towards transparency, it is essential that it is effectively implemented to create genuine change for patients. The focus on female safety, as raised by the opposition, also highlights the importance of inclusivity in legislative measures.
NationPress
17/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the West Bengal Clinical Establishment (Amendment) Bill?
The bill aims to enhance transparency in billing practices at private medical establishments and address frequent complaints received by the state Health Department.
Who raised concerns about safety in the bill?
Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, expressed concerns that the bill does not adequately address the safety of female doctors, nurses, patients, and security staff.
What are the next steps for the bill after passing the Assembly?
The bill will be sent to Governor C.V. Ananda Bose for assent before it officially becomes law.
When did the Monsoon session of the West Bengal Assembly start?
The Monsoon session commenced on Monday and will continue for two weeks.
What other legislation is being discussed in the Assembly?
The West Bengal Sales Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025, will also be introduced for discussion in the Assembly.
