Maharashtra's New Health Bill: What You Need to Know

Maharashtra's new healthcare legislation, the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2026, was introduced on July 3, 2026. This Bill intends to replace the outdated Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Act from 1949. It mandates registration for hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and diagnostic centers, covering all recognized medical systems, including allopathy, Ayurveda, and homeopathy.

The proposed law emphasizes patient rights by requiring hospitals to stabilize emergency patients, even without immediate payment, and adhere to "Golden Hour" protocols. It mandates the display of prices in multiple languages and online, along with providing itemized bills. However, the Bill does not impose price controls on hospital services, leading to criticism from health rights groups like the Jan Arogya Abhiyan (JAA).

JAA has raised significant objections, noting the omission of patient protections present in the 2021 rules. These include safeguards against withholding deceased patients' bodies or detaining patients over bills, provisions for female attendants, and protections for HIV-positive individuals. The absence of a clear grievance redressal mechanism at district and state levels is also a major concern.

The Bill is currently before a Joint Legislative Committee for examination of suggestions and objections. It is anticipated to be taken up for discussion during the upcoming winter session of the state legislature.