Ranchi: In a significant move, the Jharkhand government has directed that hospitals will no longer be allowed to hold a deceased patient’s body due to non-payment of medical bills. The state’s Health Department has issued a letter to all Deputy Commissioners and Civil Surgeons, instructing strict enforcement of this rule in accordance with central guidelines.
As per the new directive, if a patient dies during treatment, the hospital must release the body to the family without delay—even if the outstanding medical bills remain unpaid. The move aims to uphold dignity in death and protect the rights of patients and their families.
The directive follows the implementation of the Patient Rights and Responsibilities Charter under the Clinical Establishments Act, issued by the Union Ministry of Health. To comply with the guidelines, hospitals are now required to hand over bodies promptly and respectfully and are prohibited from using them as leverage for bill recovery.
All hospitals must also display the Patient Rights and Responsibilities Charter prominently to ensure awareness and accountability.