The Maharashtra government has withdrawn facilities extended to 12 charitable trusts hospitals – including Maalik Hospital, PD Hinduja hospital, BSES hospital, St Elizabeth hospital and Lotus Eye Hospital – for failing to reserve 20% of beds for the indigent and economically weaker sections of society.
"Similar action has been taken against three hospitals in Pune. Also, warning has been issued to 12 hospitals and show-cause notice to six other hospitals. At the district level, criminal action has been taken against 11 such hospitals in Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune and other districts," chief minister Devendra Fadnavis told the legislative council on Wednesday, when the issue was raised as a Calling Attention motion by MLC Sanjay Dutt.
The CM said that his government is considering amending section 66(f) of the Charitable trust Act to increase the punishment for hospitals run by charitable trusts which are found denying 20% beds to the poor. "The government will scrutinise the amendment and after the scrutiny shall seek nod of the state cabinet. An amendment Bill to this effect shall be brought before the legislature in the next session," he said.
Fadnavis also disclosed that the government in May this year had appointed 23 'aarogya sevaks' in all leading hospitals to keep a check on the hospitals. These officials are meant to guide the poor through the intimidating process of admissions, tests, and consultations, at a time of crisis. Besides, an online software has been commissioned to track and monitor admissions, as well as verify qualifying documentation such as a ration card and below poverty line (BPL) card.
The CM also said that the government has been conducting surprise repeated raids on these hospitals and an amount of Rs 203 crore has been spent on the poor patients in last one year.
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