The state government will take strict action against the arrogance of charitable hospitals

• The government will verify the funds allocated for the poor in hospitals.

• The government itself will install prominent boards displaying its schemes in every hospital.

Mumbai, June 12 (News) – In a significant move to hold accountable charitable hospitals in the state that receive major concessions from the government but fail to extend benefits to poor and needy patients, the state government has decided to audit the “poor fund” of these hospitals. Additionally, the government will install information boards on the premises of charitable hospitals, clearly outlining the concessions they receive and the benefits available to patients. The government’s intention is to ensure affordable treatment for underprivileged patients through these charitable institutions. However, many hospitals, despite availing government concessions, do not pass on the benefits to patients. This issue has repeatedly been raised by representatives from all political parties in the legislature. Yet, several charitable hospitals continue to disregard the legal requirements. In response, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that special measures be taken to ensure 100% implementation of government schemes intended for the poor in these hospitals.

Appointment of an independent committee to monitor implementation of the scheme

The state government has decided to appoint independent officers, department-wise, under the State Charity Commissioner to verify the usage of poor funds in charitable hospitals. These officers will have access to records related to the treatment of economically weaker patients in such hospitals. Additionally, the government has mandated that charitable hospitals must regularly disclose to the public how many underprivileged patients they treat each month. To ensure transparency and accountability, a Special Investigation Team will also be formed. This team will work in coordination with the Charity Commissioner, the Medical Education and Drugs Department, and the Charity Hospital Help Desk to assess whether the intended beneficiaries are receiving the benefits of the scheme.

Implementation of government health schemes

The state government has decided to implement all central and state government health schemes in charitable hospitals. To facilitate this, charitable hospitals will be required to submit proposals to the concerned departments. Although the government had earlier appealed to charitable hospitals to participate in these schemes, very few have responded positively. This decision aims to ensure that affordable healthcare reaches the underprivileged through greater participation from charitable institutions.

Control is now easier as it has been brought under the jurisdiction of the Law and Justice Department – Dr Rameshwar Naik, Head, Chief Minister’s Assistance Cell

Since the scheme has been approved by the court, it is being implemented in accordance with court guidelines. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has brought the scheme under the jurisdiction of the Law and Justice Department, which has made it possible to exercise better control and oversight.

Number of vacant beds in hospitals will be displayed on notice boards

The government will install notice boards in the front areas of charitable hospitals. These boards will also display information about the hospital’s help desk. Additionally, it will be mandatory to list the government health schemes currently implemented in the hospital, along with the number of beds available under these schemes.

This is the government’s policy for charitable hospitals

The Maharashtra government has allotted land worth crores of rupees to charitable hospitals at nominal rates. These hospitals also receive a 30% concession on their income tax, along with subsidies on electricity and water bills. As a result of these benefits, charitable hospitals save crores of rupees annually. In return for these concessions, charitable hospitals are required to allocate 2% of their total treatment income to a “Poor Fund”. From this fund, it is mandatory to reserve 10% of hospital beds for economically disadvantaged patients and provide them with free treatment. An additional 10% of beds must be reserved for such patients with treatment offered at a 50% discount. This requirement is enforced under the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950.

Editorial Perspectives

The government should not hesitate to shut down hospitals that, despite receiving land, funding, and numerous concessions, act arrogantly. Only then will other such arrogant hospitals be exposed.