Questions :

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

• whether Government is aware of the fact that despite the fact that as per the Charter of Patients’ Rights, patients have a right that even if the hospital bill is not paid by the family of a deceased, the dead bodies cannot be held hostage by the hospital, such incidents are happening despite this right being in place;
• if so, the efforts being made by Government to prevent these incidents; and
• whether these efforts of Government have led to reduction in such incidents?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (c): The Patients’ Rights Charter, as approved by National Council for Clinical Establishments, a statutory body, under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, is available in public domain on the web- portal:www.clinicalestablishments.gov.in/WriteReadData/3181.pdf. As per Guidelines (para x), of the said Charter, “Release of dead body of a patient cannot be denied for any reason by the hospitals”. The aforesaid Charter has been shared with all the States and UTs for adoption and implementation, so that grievances and concerns of patients are addressed while ensuring smooth and cordial environment in clinical establishments. State/Union Territory (UT) Government takes appropriate steps to protect the family of a deceased from instances of exploitation by the hospitals. The adoption, implementation and monitoring of the provisions of the Patients’ Rights Charter is within the remit of the respective State/UT Government. The information in this regard is not maintained centrally.