Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant informed the State Legislative Council about the establishment of a task force to address unauthorised nursing homes in the state. Private hospitals and nursing homes are regulated under the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949. Due to complaints about unregistered facilities, a task force will be set up to review all nursing homes, take action against unauthorized ones, and propose amendments for stricter regulations.
Minister Samant outlined that the task force, led by top officials, will conduct thorough inspections and submit a comprehensive report within 90 days. Additionally, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will conduct a survey to gather data on unregistered nursing homes. In a separate development, State Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar highlighted the government’s crackdown on hospitals overcharging patients under health schemes.
Abitkar emphasized the use of Artificial Intelligence to enhance transparency in the implementation of health schemes. The state government has imposed fines amounting to nearly Rs 60.47 lakh in 338 cases for irregularities. Notably, one private hospital in Akola district faced punitive action for charging patients for services covered under welfare schemes. Abitkar stressed the importance of immediate action against hospitals found violating the schemes, with repeat offenders facing criminal charges.
