Karnataka hospitals must disclose medicine purchase prices, MRP on bills from November 1: Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Oct 23, 2026: Hospitals across Karnataka will have to disclose the purchase prices and maximum retail prices (MRP) of medicines on patient bills from November 1, Health and Family Welfare Minister U.T. Khader has announced.

The move is aimed at improving transparency in hospital billing and helping patients understand the actual costs of medicines and medical supplies.

Announcing the measures in Bengaluru on Thursday, Khader said hospitals would be required to mention both the purchase price and MRP on bills and adhere to the prescribed pricing requirements.

Hospitals have also been directed to prominently display medicine price lists in public areas, particularly near registration counters, so that patients and visitors can easily access the information.

Expressing concern over rising healthcare costs, especially following the entry of foreign investors into the sector, Khader said, “According to my observation, after foreign investors have entered the healthcare market, the prices have gone up tremendously. We will discuss and see what best can be done.”

The government is yet to decide on penalties for hospitals that violate the new directions. “The punishment for violating the rules would be discussed,” the minister said.

“We do not intend to push the healthcare business into loss, but some stringent rules and regulations will have to be put in place,” he added.

Khader clarified that the government does not expect private hospitals to charge rates comparable to those at government hospitals. Instead, he said, pricing could be determined based on the facilities available and the level of treatment provided.

“We are not expecting the pricing at private hospitals to be on par with the price set at government hospitals, but the rates could be fixed based on the amenities provided and the level of treatment at the hospital,” he said.

The minister also suggested that hospitals display the prices of major medical procedures on notice boards. Details of other procedures could be maintained in a ledger and made available whenever required.

The Health Department is planning to convene a meeting with private hospitals shortly to discuss and finalise the terms and conditions of the proposed measures.

The initiative is expected to bring greater accountability to hospital billing and enable patients to make more informed decisions about the costs of medicines and treatment.