Home / Health / Maharashtra Overhauls Healthcare Law, Ending 70-Year-Old Act
Maharashtra Overhauls Healthcare Law, Ending 70-Year-Old Act
4 Jul
Summary
- Maharashtra's new bill replaces a seven-decade-old healthcare law.
- The legislation mandates registration and transparency for all clinical establishments.
- Patients gain guaranteed rights, including access to medical records and fair pricing.
Maharashtra has introduced a new bill to modernize its healthcare regulatory framework, replacing a law from 1949. The Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) bill, tabled on Friday, covers all clinical establishments, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs.
The new legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the healthcare sector. It mandates registration for all facilities and sets minimum standards for infrastructure, services, and manpower, aligning with national norms. Patients are guaranteed rights, including access to diagnosis information, medical records, and fair treatment without discrimination.
Furthermore, hospitals must publicly display all charges and issue itemized bills. In emergencies, establishments are required to provide immediate life-saving treatment regardless of a patient's financial status. The bill also proposes a State Council for Clinical Establishments to oversee standards and implementation.
