The state is considering fresh legislation even though its 2018 law already requires clinical facilities to register, meet standards and disclose fees.
Kerala’s government is discussing a bill intended to make private health care more affordable. The Hindu places the proposal against a long-running dispute over the state’s 2018 Clinical Establishments Act.
The law requires hospitals, clinics and laboratories to register, meet minimum standards and publicly display procedure fees. It does not cap prices, unlike the central 2010 law, which set ranges for some private-sector charges.
In November 2025, the Kerala High Court rejected challenges by the Kerala Private Hospitals’ Association and the Indian Medical Association. It upheld provisions on registration, fee disclosure and emergency care. The associations appealed to the Supreme Court, which has not stayed the law but granted their members interim protection from coercive action.
Registration is continuing, although many clinical establishments have yet to complete it. Small hospitals with up to 15 beds receive a shorter assessment checklist. The state is drafting a new bill, while debate continues over whether a separate law is needed or pricing provisions can be added to the 2018 act.
Public-health advocate B. Ekbal supports regulation of patient costs. He says the government should require standard treatment guidelines and scientifically assess procedure costs to develop a transparent rate list.