Maharashtra flags 5,134 hospitals for breaches of Nursing Act; 30-day ultimatum before strict action

Mumbai: An extensive inspection across Maharashtra has found 5,134 hospitals in violation of provisions under the Maharashtra Nursing Act, raising red flags about patient safety and transparency. Officials examined 26,354 hospitals and detected widespread non-compliance, including failure to prominently display treatment rate charts and helpline numbers at facility entrances requirements mandated by the law.

What the inspections uncovered

Authorities have issued show-cause notices to all erring hospitals, granting 30 days to fix lapses or face punitive steps, including possible suspension or cancellation of licenses. The statewide compliance drive was initiated on the instructions of Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to enforce patient safety and regulatory standards. Although hospitals are supposed to be inspected twice a year, officials acknowledged that staffing constraints and administrative load have led to delays, creating enforcement gaps and enabling arbitrary billing and inadequate accountability in some facilities.

According to official figures:

• Pune circle recorded the most violations at 1,650.
• Sambhaji Nagar logged 901 cases.
• The Mumbai circle, including Thane, reported 215 violators.
  A senior public health official said around 300 hospitals have already been shut due to non-compliance, relocation, or business closure.

Types of violations

The inquiry found issues ranging from undisclosed charges and unapproved treatments to failure to maintain basic amenities and security. Officials noted such practices undermine the very purpose of the Maharashtra Nursing Act, which seeks to protect patient rights and ensure transparency in hospital operations.

Under the rules, hospitals must:

• Clearly display treatment rate charts and helpline numbers.
• Maintain a complaint box and grievance mechanism.
• Renew fire and electrical safety certifications on time.
• Keep biomedical waste and pollution control approvals updated.
• Display relevant PCPNDT and MTP approvals for public awareness.

What happens next

Hospitals that fail to rectify violations within the 30-day window will face stringent measures, including license suspension or cancellation. Authorities stressed the drive is intended to be corrective as well as punitive aimed at enforcing legal standards and restoring public confidence. Continuous monitoring is planned to prevent repeat lapses and strengthen compliance across the sector.