Maharashtra govt has mandated that private hospitals display their medical service charges conspicuously in both Marathi and English (AI-generated image used for representational purposes)
The resolution directs all competent authorities responsible for hospital registration, regulation and supervision to periodically review compliance with Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Rules, 2021, and initiate necessary administrative and legal action against establishments found violating the requirements, PTI reported.
“The rates of medical services and available facilities specified under Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Rules, 2021, must be prominently displayed in a manner visible to everyone visiting the hospital,” the GR stated. Hospitals must also provide adequate information on applicable service charges and treatment package costs to address billing-related complaints, according to the resolution. Hospitals treating foreign patients who have travelled to India on medical or Ayush visas must also display the special package rates applicable to them, the GR said.
The directive aims to bring transparency to healthcare services and help patients and their relatives understand the likely cost of treatment in advance. Staff at registration desks, enquiry counters and billing counters have been directed to guide patients and their relatives about the availability of rate lists and applicable charges to avoid ambiguity. Authorities have been directed to take administrative and legal action against institutions violating the rule, the public health department said in a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday, news agency PTI reported.