(i) The Act:
- Assists in generation of reliable and comprehensive database (or registry) for all types of clinical establishments in the country at district, state and national level.
- Helps classify various types of clinical establishments into categories & determine category wise basic minimum standards.
- Defines basic minimum standards for operation, using participatory and consultative approach to ensure uniformity across all establishments. The minimum standards indicate basic standards which are mandatory and certain standards which are desirable.
- Assists Government in obtaining information and data required from clinical establishments for public health interventions including outbreak and disaster management
(ii) It establishes the multi-stakeholder bodies namely National Council for Clinical Establishments at National level, State Council for clinical establishments at State level & District Registration Authority at each district. Implementation of the Act is by respective state through State council and District Registration Authority.
(iii) The Act allows for two-step process of registration – provisional and permanent registration. Provisional registration is done through a process of self-declaration, without any inquiry or inspection. Permanent registration would be undertaken after categorization, classification and notification of category wise minimum standards.
(iv) The Act places the entire process of registration and the data of clinical establishments in the public domain which ensures transparency.
(v) Details of charges, facilities available would be prominently displayed at a conspicuous place at each establishment
(vi) Registry of clinical establishments would aid in policy formulation and resource allocation.
(vii) Cancellation of registration would occur at any time, if conditions for registration are not complied with.
(viii) Clinical Establishment to provide emergency medical treatment within staff and facilities available.
(ix) The Act may control or act as deterrent against quackery by introducing registration which is applicable only to clinical establishments of recognized systems of medicine and no one can run a clinical establishment without registration.
(x) It lays down provisions for healthcare providers to maintain records and reporting as prescribed and provide information and statistics that may be asked for by the authority.
