THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ten years after a bill was proposed to regulate the functioning of clinical establishments, the Left Democratic Front Government has now taken the initiative to introduce it in the ongoing assembly session. A major step, the Kerala Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill 2017 will cover both private and public institutions.Drafted a decade ago, successive governments did not take any steps to convert it into legislation. It was alleged to be a purposeful delay due to pressure from many quarters, especially private hospital and laboratory managements. The private players in the industry have already expressed their reservations, stating it would adversely affect the small and medium-size hospitals.
The bill gains significance in the wake of reports that majority of private labs are functioning without proper accreditation /certification and have unqualified staff. Once the bill is enacted, it should help bring uniformity to the health-care system by prescribing minimum standards of facilities and services that may be provided by the clinical establishments. The bill proposes a state council with the Health Secretary as chairperson for monitoring the whole system.
The other members are Directors of Health Services, Indian Systems of Medicine, Homeopathy and Public Health Laboratory; one representative each from Modern Medicine Council, Indigenous Medicine Council, Homeopathy Council, Dental Council and Kerala Nursing Council; patient welfare organisations; an officer each ranked not below Additional Secretary from Law and Finance Departments; representatives of Indian Medical Association and Indian Ayurveda Medical Association.
According to the bill, the committee will have the powers to classify the clinical establishments into different categories in accordance with the minimum standards; compile and publish State Register of Clinical Establishments; appoint assessors for inspection of clinical establishments; recommend to government any modification required in the rules in accordance with changes in technology or social conditions; direct to cancel registration of clinical establishments where there is imminent danger to public health and the health and safety of patients and staff.