Maharashtra Drafts First Health Policy to Regulate Hospitals and Drug Stores
The Maharashtra government has drafted its first-ever health policy in Mumbai, proposing a ₹40,000 crore expenditure over a 10-year span to regulate and monitor hospitals, medical professionals, drug stores, and medical devices. The public health department drafted the policy following criticism from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and subsequent suo motu cognisance by the Bombay High Court.
The proposed policy, based on the National Health Policy 2017 and the recommendations of the Economic Advisory Council’s 2023 report, aims to improve transparency, quality, and accountability in the state's healthcare sector.
Under the new policy, healthcare establishments will be graded, and standard treatment guidelines will be adopted. Hospitals will be mandated to protect patient rights, including access to medical records, informed consent, privacy, and the right to seek a second opinion. Additionally, the government proposes to establish an empowered medical tribunal to speed up complaints related to medical negligence, treatment quality, and unfair practices.
According to a health department official, the 2024 CAG report rapped the state government for its low budgetary allocation to healthcare, vacant posts, and the absence of a dedicated health policy or adoption of the Centre’s Clinical Establishments Act. Maharashtra currently relies on the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Act and the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act.
The policy seeks to monitor billing in private hospitals, regulating unethical practices such as inflated billing and "cut practice" through heavy fines and criminal prosecution. It also proposes expanding the mandate of six state medical councils and establishing a dedicated regulatory body for medical devices.
Dr. Avinash Bhondve, former president of the Indian Medical Association, welcomed the policy but cautioned that regulations should not be arbitrary or unfair to the private sector. He also urged the government to focus on strengthening the public healthcare system.
Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar stated that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the initiative, and the Clinical Establishments Act Bill is expected to be tabled during the monsoon session.
