New Delhi, Nov. 11 -- The government is planning an online portal where private hospitals would post prices for medical procedures, Mint reported last month ('Private hospitals may have to go public with tariffs on services,' 28 October). The aim is to improve transparency by making information easily accessible. While the intent is laudable, this policy is unlikely to be of much help to patients.

Even when hospitals stick to benchmark rates for standard treatment options, they would always have a fair amount of discretion in extending stay, or inflating the price of 'consumables' to raise the final bill for the patient. India's past experience with medical price caps isn't inspiring.

After coronary stent prices were capped in 2017, pri...