MARB and Clinical Establishments Council Ensure Quality

India’s Healthcare Regulation: MARB and Clinical Establishments Council Ensure Quality & Accountability

Healthcare regulation, Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), National Council for Clinical Establishments, quality healthcare, patient safety, medical institutions

Enhancing Healthcare Regulation in India: A Step Towards Quality and Accountability

India’s healthcare system is undergoing significant improvements with the establishment of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and the National Council for Clinical Establishments. These initiatives are aimed at ensuring the quality and accountability of medical institutions, both government and private, in providing healthcare services to patients.

Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB): Ensuring Standard Compliance

Under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) has been set up to assess and rate medical institutions in India. The primary objective of MARB is to ensure that these institutions adhere to the standards laid down by the NMC. This move is vital for maintaining high-quality medical education and services across the country, benefiting patients with better care and safety.

National Council for Clinical Establishments: Promoting Affordable Quality Healthcare

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, has led to the establishment of the National Council for Clinical Establishments. This council plays a crucial role in registering and regulating both government and private clinical establishments, excluding those under the Armed Forces. The focus is on providing affordable and top-notch healthcare services to patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.

Ethics and Medical Registration Board: Addressing Medical Negligence

In cases of medical negligence, the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare in the respective State/UTs or the concerned State Medical Council deals with the complaints. However, if either the complainant or the respondent is dissatisfied with the State Medical Council’s decision, they can appeal to the Ethics and Medical Registration Board, National Medical Commission. This appeals process adds a layer of accountability and transparency to address concerns related to medical malpractice.

Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: Upholding Minimum Standards

The Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, lays down specific requirements for clinical establishments, such as maintaining minimum standards of facilities, personnel, and record-keeping. These establishments must also comply with the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) issued by the Central and State Governments. The act ensures that healthcare providers offer consistent and high-quality services while imposing penalties for non-compliance, thus safeguarding patient interests.

Consumer Complaints: A Redressal Mechanism

To further protect patient rights and interests, individuals can file complaints related to medical service deficiencies in District/State/National Consumer Dispute Redressal Forums under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (Amended 2019). This additional layer of redressal ensures patients have a means to seek justice if they face any issues with the healthcare services they receive.

The establishment of the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) and the National Council for Clinical Establishments represents a significant stride towards enhancing healthcare regulation in India. These measures bolster the quality and accountability of medical institutions, promising better healthcare outcomes and patient safety across the nation.