Chennai, July 30: In a significant move to boost investment in the healthcare sector, the Tamil Nadu government is set to introduce a single-window clearance system for hospitals. This initiative aims to streamline the approval process, which has faced criticism for delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
According to government sources, the official order, which has been in preparation for the past week, is expected to be issued following a review meeting led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay with the Health and Family Welfare Department.
The proposed system is anticipated to significantly reduce the time required for new hospitals to obtain approvals, shortening the process from several years to just a few months. Once implemented, Tamil Nadu will join states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, which already have single-window systems in place to facilitate regulatory approvals for healthcare projects.
Officials involved in this initiative indicated that this reform is part of the government’s broader efforts to accelerate investment in the healthcare sector while making regulatory processes more transparent and efficient.
This initiative is also expected to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading destination for medical infrastructure and healthcare services in India.
Industry stakeholders have noted that the current approval process often involves multiple departments, leading to excessive delays and uncertainty for investors. They have reported instances where approval became challenging, with demands ranging from 4 to 5 million rupees.
The new framework aims to eliminate such irregularities by introducing a transparent and standardized fee structure, thereby enhancing accountability.
According to those involved in healthcare infrastructure projects, there are currently at least seven to eight hospital approvals pending in Tamil Nadu, promoted by doctors, while similar projects in other states have progressed rapidly.
Despite repeated appeals from the healthcare industry, the proposal for a single-window system has been under consideration for over a decade.
This long-awaited reform is expected to significantly boost private investment in hospitals, encourage the expansion of healthcare infrastructure, and simplify the overall process of establishing medical institutions in the state. Officials have confirmed that the government order is likely to be issued following the Chief Minister’s review, which will expedite and enhance the transparency of the approval process for hospital projects across Tamil Nadu.
– V.K.U./A.S.
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