Maha: IMA opposes 'impractical' Amendments to nursing home registration rules

In a letter sent to Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on June 17, the IMA said that the amendments are not acceptable as they are impractical. The Government of Maharashtra released Nursing Home Registration Amendment on January 14, 2021. 

In the letter the association mentioned, "These Amendments are impractical and impossible to comply with for hospitals in the entire state of Maharashtra. Objections and categorical representation has been given to the Government on many occasions. It was concluded in the meeting on April 6, 2022, that these Amendments are impractical in nature. In spite of our repeated requests and representations, no steps have been taken up to safeguard all hospitals in the state of Maharashtra."

The association stated that we will be compelled to withdraw healthcare services from all hospitals in the state following no response from the Government to safeguard the hospitals in the state."We raised the issue last year only. Before taking any drastic measure, the government should consider the opinions of the service providers. We requested a meeting with the concerned authorities on January 18 last year and it was postponed due to the pandemic. A meeting was held on April 6 this year and we have requested another meeting with Health Minister Rajesh Tope on this issue", stated IMA, Maharashtra Former President, Dr Londhe told Medical Dialogues.

As per the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration (Amendment) Rules, 2021, notification issued on January 14, 2021, the fees for the registration and renewal have been revised to Rs 5,000 for a Grade A nursing home (within municipal corporation limits), Rs 4,500 for Grade B nursing home and so on. Nursing homes situated in rural areas with more than five beds will be charged for every additional bed. In addition to the personnel structure, minimum standard standards for nursing homes' physical layout have been stated in the announcement.

The association further stated that some of the clauses of the notification are drafted in such a way that it would not be surprising if 90 per cent of the hospitals shut down. IMA members pointed out that issues like fire safety, bio-medical waste disposal, structural audit and other procedures are relevant, but they are being unfortunately linked with the registration process of a nursing home.

"In spite of our repeated requests and representations, no steps have been taken up to safeguard all hospitals in the state of Maharashtra. We at Indian Medical Association Maharashtra state feel that we will be compelled to withdraw healthcare services from all hospitals in the state following no response from the government to safeguard the hospitals in the state," the letter stated further requesting the minister to immediately withdraw the notification.