In response to concerns over health insurance claim delays and high medical bills from private hospitals, Maharashtra’s Minister for Public Health and Family Welfare, Prakash Abitkar, has issued strict directives. He emphasized the importance of putting patients at the forefront of services during a meeting with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, major insurers, and private hospitals. The focus was on aligning all stakeholders to enhance patient care and service quality.
With a growing number of health insurance policyholders, the Minister stressed the essential nature of providing satisfactory services. He warned of stringent actions against any irregularities in the claim process or hospital billing. The Minister highlighted the potential for medical tourism in cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, emphasizing the need to enhance credibility through improved services. All hospitals in the state are required to register on the IRDAI portal and maintain updated information.
To address delays and discrepancies in claim approvals, the Minister proposed setting clear timelines to alleviate patient distress caused by coordination issues between hospitals and insurers. Currently, thousands of hospitals in Maharashtra offer insurance-related services. In response to reported malpractices, the Minister instructed authorities to enforce regulations under the Bombay Nursing Home Registration Act. Large hospitals will be mandated to display treatment price lists to promote transparency, and the government is considering standardized treatment protocols to address cost variations.
The Health Department has requested regular data on approved claims, rejections, and pending complaints. Maharashtra aims to lead in obtaining and analyzing state-specific complaint data from IRDAI to implement corrective measures. The government’s priority is to enhance the credibility of the medical profession and ensure seamless treatment and insurance claim settlements for all patients.
