- Source – The Hindu
- Link – https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/health-regulations-need-a-base-to-top-approach/article68259863.ece
- Syllabus – GS Paper 02
- Topic – Healthcare related
What is the issue?
In the last week of May, an incident of a devastating fire in a private neonatal care nursing home in New Delhi brought the issue of Health regulations into limelight.
What are Health regulations?
Health regulations is a set of procedures that helps the health care professionals to deliver their full services to patients.
- These are generally issued by national and State governments to uphold the quality of healthcare services.
- For Example: Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, Indian Public Health Standards.
What are the Issues with Health Regulations in India?
Regulatory Burdens
- Multiple Approvals:
- Many Indian States require healthcare facilities to obtain over 50 approvals, creating a cumbersome compliance process.
- Perception of Overregulation:
- Despite the plethora of regulations, officials and the public believe the private health sector is inadequately regulated.
Unrealistic Regulatory Standards
- Clinical Establishments Act, 2010:
- Enacted 14 years ago, this act is often deemed impractical, with many states not adopting it due to its unfeasible provisions.
- Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS):
- First released in 2007 and revised twice, only 15-18% of government primary health facilities meet these standards, indicating the aspirational yet challenging nature of these regulations.
Enforcement Discrepancies
- Unequal Penalties:
- Private facilities often face harsher penalties compared to government hospitals for similar infractions.
- Example of Disparity:
- In 2017, a private hospital had its license temporarily suspended for declaring a newborn dead when alive, while a similar incident in a government hospital only led to an inquiry.
Approval Process Delays
- Sluggish Renewal Process:
- Private healthcare facilities often experience significant delays in the approval process for renewals, even when applications are submitted well in advance.
- Operational Impact:
- These delays hinder the smooth functioning of healthcare providers and contribute to systemic inefficiencies.
What needs to be done?
Streamline Health Regulations
- Achievable Standards: Health regulations should be practical and realistic.
- Simplified Process: Harmonize existing regulations to reduce complexity and simplify applications.
Ensure Timely Approvals
- Defined Timeframe: Ensure applications for approvals and renewals are processed within a set timeframe to avoid delays.
Implement Differential Standards
- Tailored Regulations: Apply different standards for various healthcare facilities.
- Cost Management: Prevent excessive costs for smaller clinics and nursing homes, making healthcare more affordable.
Foster Stakeholder Involvement
- Engage Representatives: Involve doctors’ associations, different facility types, and community members in regulation formulation.
Promote Responsible Reporting
- Avoid Sensationalism: Media should focus on constructive reporting to maintain public trust and reduce violence against healthcare providers.
Support Primary Care Providers
- Small Facility Support: Support single-doctor clinics and smaller nursing homes to provide primary care and keep healthcare costs low.
Adopt a Bottom-Up Approach
- Practical Implementation: Draft regulations considering the practical realities of different healthcare providers for effective implementation.
