Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on August 31 stressed the need for an ethical and a professional conduct for better healthcare facilities, saying the voluntary code launched by industry body FICCI should be adopted.


The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Code of Ethics was released by Nadda on August 30 during the inaugural session of the 12th edition of FICCI's annual healthcare conference -- FICCI HEAL.  The Minister defined the release of the code as "very appropriate and timely as the country moves towards the launch of Ayushman Bharat". He said Ayushman Bharat will require an effective collaboration between the government and private stakeholders. "The Code addresses the fundamental challenge of accountability both at individual and industry level, and should be adopted by all."

According to a statement released by FICCI on Friday, various healthcare providers united and pledged to be part of the code of ethics for the health industry during the session. The declaration of the code was handed to the endorsing associations by the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, during the 10th FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards ceremony on August 29.

"Recognising the need for transparency and accountability in the overall functioning of the healthcare establishments, the code has been developed as a result of an extensive consultation with various stakeholders including government and the private sector," according to the statement.  This voluntary code, according to FICCI, can be used as a yardstick by the health service providers for their day-to-day conduct and interactions within the healthcare community as well as with patients.