Centre asks all states to create regulator for NHPS operation

New Delhi: In a move aimed at making implementation of National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) smoother, the Centre has asked all states to establish regulators to ensure benefits of the national insurance cover reach every vulnerable people.

In a letter to all the Chief Secretaries of the states, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has requested states to implement Clinical Establishment Act 2010 so that medical procedures would be regulated. The letter has been written in the wake of proposed launch of national health insurance cover of up to Rs 5 lakh for all.

As NHPS intends to provide health protection coverage of upto Rs 5 lakh, the establishment of regulators would ensure streamlining the treatment package rates for reimbursement to healthcare providers under the NHPS.

"Given that NHPS would utilise public as well as private health facilities to provide healthcare services, so it's important to regulate the healthcare for the beneficiaries of the scheme," a senior official said, adding that the adoption of Clinical Establishment Act would ensure regulation of healthcare facilities.

"Moreover, a system of appropriate checks and balances also needs to be put in place for ensuring that the maximum benefit is obtained by the beneficiaries within assured sum of up to Rs 5 lakh as per the scheme," the official said.