Table of Contents

Sample RTI: Government Hospital Treatment, Billing and Referral Records

Shield

Direct answer. For your own treatment file, billing breakup, or referral copy from a Government hospital, file a free RTI to the PIO of the hospital, with a copy to the Directorate of Health Services and, if relevant, the State Medical Council. Reply due in 30 days under Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, and within 48 hours where life or liberty is involved (proviso to Section 7(1)). Fee: Rs 10 (BPL: nil).

When to use this RTI

When NOT to use this RTI

Drafting notes

Privacy caution

A patient's medical record is highly sensitive personal data under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and is also covered by Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act read with Section 11 third-party procedure. You may ask only for your own records. For a deceased relative's records, attach the death certificate and your relationship proof. For another adult patient's records, you need that patient's written consent or a court order.

Sample format

To
The Public Information Officer
[Name of Government Hospital]
[Full postal address, PIN]

Subject: Application under Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:
       Treatment, billing and referral records, OPD / IPD No. [XXXX]

Sir / Madam,

1. I, [Full name], a citizen of India residing at [full address], apply under
   Section 6(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 for the records below.
   This request engages the proviso to Section 7(1): "life or liberty"
   reply within 48 hours, since the records are required for ongoing
   treatment / certification.

2. Particulars for record-identification:
       Patient name        : ________________ (self / spouse / minor child)
       OPD No / IPD No     : ________________
       MRD No              : ________________
       Dates of treatment  : ________________
       Treating department : ________________

3. Information sought (please supply certified copies):
   (a) Certified copy of the case sheet / IPD case record for the dates above,
       including all doctor's notes, nursing notes, and consents.
   (b) Certified copy of every laboratory and radiology report on file.
   (c) Certified copy of the discharge summary / death summary, as applicable.
   (d) Certified copy of the billing ledger and the bill calculation worksheet.
   (e) Certified copy of the referral letter / counter-referral letter, if any.
   (f) Certified copy of the denial-register entry, if I was denied admission
       or denied any specific procedure.
   (g) Name and designation of the treating consultant of record on each
       date of treatment.
   (h) Standing Operating Procedure or Hospital Policy that governed the
       decision in question (admission, transfer, discharge, denial).

4. I enclose Rs 10 by Indian Postal Order in favour of the Accounts Officer
   of the Hospital. (BPL applicants: enclose BPL card copy and claim Section
   7(5) exemption.)

5. Please send the reply to the address below by Registered Post.

Yours faithfully,
Signature
Name    : ___________________
Address : ___________________
Date    : ___________________

First appeal wording

To
The First Appellate Authority
[Government Hospital / Directorate of Health Services]

Subject: First appeal under Section 19(1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005:
       Non-supply of treatment, billing or referral records

Sir / Madam,

1. I filed RTI dated [DD/MM/YYYY] (Speed Post No. [XXXX]) seeking the records
   listed therein. The request invoked the life-or-liberty proviso to
   Section 7(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.

2. The 30-day / 48-hour period expired on [DD/MM/YYYY]. The PIO has not
   replied / has replied incompletely on the following points: [list].

3. I therefore appeal under Section 19(1) and pray that the PIO be directed
   to supply the records sought within the time fixed by you.

4. I draw attention to Section 19(8)(a)(i) on costs and Section 20(1) on
   penalties for unreasonable delay.

Yours faithfully,
Signature
Name    : ___________________
Address : ___________________
Date    : ___________________

Sources

FAQs

Are private hospitals covered by RTI?

No. A private hospital is not a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005, unless it is substantially financed by Government or established by statute. For a private-hospital record, you need the patient's written request to the hospital under the IMC Regulations, 2002, which require the record to be supplied in 72 hours.

Do I get the case sheet free of cost?

Photocopy charges fixed under the RTI (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005, apply for the second page onwards (Rs 2 / page typical). For BPL applicants, all charges are waived under Section 7(5).

What if treatment is ongoing and I need the file urgently?

Invoke the proviso to Section 7(1): where the information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, the PIO must reply within 48 hours. State this on the cover of your RTI in bold.

Can I get my late father's records as next of kin?

Yes. Attach the death certificate and your relationship proof (birth certificate / Aadhaar / ration card showing relationship). The PIO will then treat the request as one made by a lawful representative.

The hospital denied me admission; how do I prove it?

Ask for the denial register entry for the date and time of your visit. Most State health rules require any denial to be recorded with reasons; absence of an entry is itself proof of non-compliance.

Last reviewed: 9 May 2026

Sources verified against the RTI Act, 2005, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, the IMC (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2002, and the MoHFW portal as on 9 May 2026.

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