Mumbai, March 16 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Minister Uday Samant announced on Monday during the Question Hour in the State Legislative Council that a task force will be created to address the issue of unauthorised and unregistered nursing homes operating within the state.

The matter was brought to attention by member Chitra Wagh, with additional inquiries from members Bhai Jagtap, Sanjay Khodke, and Sachin Ahir.

Minister Samant clarified that private hospitals and nursing homes in Maharashtra are required to be registered and subject to inspection under the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Act of 1949 and its associated regulations.

However, due to numerous complaints regarding the existence of unregistered or unauthorised nursing homes in certain regions, coordinated action at the state level has become essential.

He elaborated, stating that "A task force will be formed with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department in the lead, alongside the Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary of the Health Department as co-chair. This task force will comprise Divisional Commissioners, Police Officials, and other relevant personnel. Its mandate will include reviewing all nursing homes in the state, taking necessary action against unauthorised establishments, and presenting a detailed report to the House in the upcoming session."

Due to the current limitations in legal provisions regarding fines and penalties, the task force will also work on drafting amendments to existing laws to enable more stringent actions, as noted by the Minister.

Minister Samant also indicated that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will be tasked with conducting a survey to gather data on unauthorised nursing homes.

He assured the House that the task force aims to deliver its findings within a 90-day timeframe to ensure swift action against unauthorised nursing homes, prioritising patient safety in the state.

In a related development, State Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar mentioned in the Assembly that the state government is pursuing strict measures against hospitals charging patients despite the implementation of the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) and the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

He added that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now being harnessed to enhance transparency within these initiatives.

This topic was raised in the Assembly by member Nana Patole (Congress), with contributions from Sunil Prabhu (Shiv Sena-UBT), Babanrao Lonikar (BJP), and Ratnakar Gutte (Rashtriya Samaj Paksh).

Minister Abitkar reported that numerous complaints regarding irregularities have been received.

As a result, nearly Rs 60.47 lakh in fines have been imposed across 338 cases in the state.

In Akola district, twelve complaints were lodged against a private hospital for charging for tests and surgeries that fall under the welfare schemes.

"The State Health Assurance Society intervened and ensured one patient received a refund. Punitive measures are being considered against the hospital, while investigations into the other eleven complaints are ongoing. Following the merger of the Ayushman Bharat scheme with the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, the scope of covered illnesses and treatment packages has been expanded. AI systems are now employed to examine complaints and guarantee rapid responses, enhancing implementation effectiveness," added Minister Abitkar.

Moreover, he stated that committees involving public representatives have been established.

District-level review meetings, chaired by Guardian Ministers, are mandated to occur every three months.

"If hospitals are discovered to be charging patients additional fees under these schemes, immediate action will be taken. For repeat offenders, the state government will initiate criminal proceedings," clarified Minister Abitkar.