Karnataka Government pauses enforcement of hospital medicine price disclosure circular

The Karnataka Government has reportedly informed the Karnataka High Court that it would not enforce the circular requiring hospitals to disclose the landing or procurement price, MRP, patient charge and applicable taxes for medicines, medical devices and consumables on itemised bills. The circular is being re-examined following a legal challenge concerning its statutory basis, confidentiality of commercial arrangements and absence of adequate stakeholder consultation. Its implementation remains suspended until further court orders.