The Maharashtra government has taken strict action against non-compliant private hospitals, cancelling the registration of 258 facilities that failed to meet mandatory standards under the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949.
Statewide Inspection Uncovers Widespread Violations
Speaking during the Question Hour in the legislative assembly on Thursday, State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar revealed that the health department had inspected 23,354 private hospitals earlier this year. Of these, 5,134 hospitals were found violating various provisions of the Act. The department promptly issued notices to all these hospitals, directing them to comply with the law.
However, despite the warning, 258 hospitals continued to operate in violation of regulations. Following a reinspection, the state cancelled their registration.
Act Mandates Strict Compliance
As reported by Hindu Business Line, the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949 requires all registered private hospitals and nursing homes to maintain adequate infrastructure, hygiene, fire safety, staffing levels, and proper biomedical waste disposal. Hospitals must also display treatment rates, ensure transparent billing, and provide a toll-free grievance redressal system for patients.
Legislators raised concerns that most hospitals flout these rules, leaving patients vulnerable to unethical practices such as overcharging.
Annual Compliance Drives to Be Conducted
In response, Abitkar assured the assembly that the inspection drive would become an annual exercise to curb malpractices and improve patient safety. He noted that the health department conducted such a comprehensive inspection across the state for the first time. “Going forward, we will make it a yearly exercise.”
Planned Amendments to Ease Compliance for Small Centres
Abitkar also acknowledged challenges faced by smaller healthcare facilities in meeting stringent norms. He pointed out that the existing law does not distinguish between full-fledged hospitals and smaller daycare centres or nursing homes, making compliance difficult for the latter.
“To address these concerns, we will introduce a fresh bill in the next session of the legislature,” he said. “The proposed amendments will revise the Act to provide differentiated compliance requirements for smaller establishments.”
With these steps, the state government aims to strike a balance between enforcing healthcare standards and supporting the sustainability of smaller medical institutions.