Maharashtra steps up action against unregistered nursing homes, bogus doctors

Mumbai: To tackle rising concerns over illegal medical practices, the Maharashtra government has constituted a state-level task force to crack down on bogus doctors and unregistered nursing homes across the state. The task force, which will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Development and senior Health Department officials, will submit a detailed action report in the next legislative session.

Addressing concerns raised in the House, Minister Uday Samant acknowledged that the problem is widespread and not limited to Mumbai. He stated that while action has been taken against 35 nursing homes, mostly in the Govandi and Chembur areas, the state has 1,371 registered nursing homes, and recent complaints have highlighted gaps in monitoring, inspections, and certification processes.

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Under existing rules, the fine for operating an illegal nursing home is just Rs 50, and imprisonment is limited to six months, prompting the need for stricter regulations

Legislators have expressed concern over unregistered private hospitals and nursing homes continuing to operate despite existing regulations. BJP MLC Chitra Wagh questioned whether inquiries had been conducted and what action had been taken. Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap pointed out contradictions between the government’s earlier written replies and the current enforcement measures being announced. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir highlighted the importance of enforcing existing laws effectively.

Samant said that apart from the two senior bureaucrats, the health commissioner, divisional commissioners, and an inspector-general would be part of the task force. “The additional chief secretaries of the urban development will have the authority to include necessary officials in the committee. The committee, apart from detailing actions taken against bogus nursing homes, will have the authority to recommend amendments to the act. This committee will be the controlling authority to suggest necessary amendments, which will lead to stringent action against the guilty,” he said, reports the Indian Express.

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