The Tamil Nadu state health department is set to release a gazetted list of more than 40,000 clinical establishments registered under its authority. This initiative marks a significant step toward transparency in a sector that has long operated with limited public oversight.
Scope of the Registry
The list will cover a broad range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, nursing homes, consultation clinics, and diagnostic laboratories in allopathy, Indian medicine, and homoeopathy. All these establishments are registered with the health department under the Clinical Establishments Act.
“This list, created by the department, is creating a legally recognised, publicly accessible record that patients can consult before seeking medical care,” said a senior official from the directorate of medical services.
Registration Requirements
Under the Clinical Establishments Act, all such institutions are required to obtain registration and renew it once every five years. Registration ensures clinical establishments meet basic standards for space, staff, equipment, records, hygiene, and safety. The rules also require medical records to be maintained, certificates to be displayed, and changes such as ownership transfer or closure to be reported properly.
“The department is now transitioning the renewal process entirely online. We will be doing away with paper-heavy procedures and reducing opportunities for delays or lapses in compliance,” the official added.
Pending Applications and Temporary Licences
Ten days ago, health minister K G Arun Raj told reporters that about 8,000 applications from private hospitals and other clinical establishments for licences are pending with the department. He had instructed to issue temporary certificates immediately once required details are uploaded online, and then give permanent certificates after a comprehensive inspection.
“We are doing that now. This is to ensure no hospital functions without a licence. Temporary licence is given based on self-declaration,” the official said.
Impact on Patients
Health advocates say that for patients, particularly those in smaller towns and semi-urban areas where unregulated clinics are common, the registry will be a powerful reference point. It empowers patients to verify the credentials of healthcare providers before seeking treatment, thereby enhancing patient safety and trust in the healthcare system.
