Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai, overseeing the Urban Development department, cautioned charity hospitals in the state about facing severe consequences if they do not adhere to government regulations. He mentioned that district-level committees will conduct thorough inspections to ensure hospitals comply with healthcare schemes and other mandatory rules. This announcement was made in response to a query during a Legislative Council session.
Several members, including Anil Parab, Neelam Gorhe, and others, raised additional questions on the issue, prompting Minister Desai to highlight the presence of monitoring committees in every district overseeing charity hospitals. He stressed the importance of regular inspections by these committees to enforce compliance with regulations. Hospitals found lacking will be subject to strict punitive measures.
Moreover, the state government is actively monitoring complaints about hospitals charging excessive fees. Minister Desai mentioned the possibility of appointing Special Public Prosecutors to handle such cases. He emphasized the mandatory implementation of government health initiatives by charity hospitals, including the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). Hospitals failing to display required information on free treatments are being warned and monitored for compliance.
In a related development, Minister of State for Urban Development Madhuri Misal informed about the legal proceedings concerning Global Hospital, with the next court hearing scheduled for July 21. The government is considering reclaiming additional Floor Space Index (FSI) allocated to the hospital based on the court’s decision post-July 21. Additionally, the state government has pledged funds for the modernization of the Triple Vaccine (DPT) Production Laboratory at the Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation Limited.
