What changes are being made to services at Maharashtra government hospitals?

A new government resolution mandates charges for services that were previously free or low-cost, including OPD registration, hospital admissions, tests, and surgeries.

How much will major procedures cost at Maharashtra government hospitals under the new policy?

The new rate card includes charges such as Rs5 for OPD registration and up to Rs40,000 for joint replacement surgery.

Why are health activists concerned about the new charges in Maharashtra government hospitals?

Activists fear the charges, even if nominal, will deter financially vulnerable patients from seeking necessary treatment at government hospitals.

Home / Health / Maharashtra Hospitals: Free Healthcare Ends, New Charges Revealed

Maharashtra Hospitals: Free Healthcare Ends, New Charges Revealed

5 Feb

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Summary

Maharashtra govt hospitals will now charge for services previously free.
A new rate card includes charges for OPD registration to major surgeries.
Confusion and concern arise among administrators and activists over the new policy.

Maharashtra Hospitals: Free Healthcare Ends, New Charges Revealed

A recent government resolution issued on January 16 mandates charges for services at all Maharashtra government hospitals, ending a period where many were free or minimally priced. This new policy means patients will face costs for various procedures, ranging from a Rs5 OPD registration fee to a Rs40,000 charge for joint replacement surgery. Daily in-patient admission will cost Rs10, with specific fees set for blood tests, X-rays, CT scans (Rs300-Rs400), and MRI scans (Rs1,600).

The resolution also outlines charges for deliveries, with the second costing Rs50 and subsequent ones Rs250. Hospital room rates are set at Rs75 for non-AC and Rs150 for AC per day, with ICU charges at Rs100. Haemodialysis will be Rs150, and ambulance services will be Rs5 per km. While the government has specified exemptions for certain groups, including government employees and their families, medical staff, and specific legal or correctional cases, many civil surgeons are reportedly confused about the implementation, citing a prior resolution from 2023 that declared all services free.