Maharashtra Govt Plans New Clinical Establishment Law to Regulate Hospitals and Clinics
The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce the Maharashtra Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2025, which will make registration compulsory for all clinical establishments across the state. The proposed law includes strict penalties of up to ₹5 lakh and a six-month jail term for violations.
The draft legislation aims to replace the decades-old Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, and create a modern regulatory framework for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centres, nursing homes, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities operating in Maharashtra.
Emergency Treatment to Become Mandatory
One of the key provisions in the proposed bill makes it compulsory for all registered clinical establishments to provide immediate stabilisation treatment during emergency medical situations.
The draft defines an emergency medical condition as a situation where delay in treatment could seriously threaten a person’s health, bodily functions, or organs. The move is aimed at ensuring timely emergency care for patients across private and public healthcare facilities.
State Council to Oversee Healthcare Standards
The proposed law also includes the formation of a State Council for Clinical Establishments, which will be headed by the state health minister. The council will supervise implementation of the law, maintain the state register of healthcare institutions, and frame operational standards.
The council is expected to include representatives from medical, dental, nursing, pharmacy, paramedical, AYUSH systems, the Indian Medical Association, and consumer groups.
Hospitals May Need to Display Treatment Charges
The draft bill reportedly stresses transparency in healthcare services by asking clinical establishments to properly disclose treatment charges and maintain standard treatment protocols.
The legislation also seeks to ensure minimum standards of facilities and services in line with guidelines prescribed by the National Council for Clinical Establishments.
Unlike previous proposals, the new draft covers all recognised systems of medicine, including Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy.
Govt Says Existing Law Is Outdated
According to public health department officials, the bill is currently under review by Devendra Fadnavis before being sent for cabinet approval and later tabled in the state legislature.
Officials said the existing Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act had become outdated because it mainly covered nursing homes and residential healthcare facilities. The proposed law is also intended to curb quackery and ensure only qualified establishments are allowed to operate.
Doctors Oppose Certain Provisions
Former Maharashtra public health minister Rajesh Tope supported the proposed legislation, stating that several states have already implemented similar laws. He added that the government should hold discussions with doctors and hospital associations to build consensus.
However, some members of the medical community have strongly opposed the draft.
Dr Avinash Bhondwe described the bill as a “backdoor entry of Inspector Raj” and criticised provisions related to displaying treatment rate cards and employing additional staff. He stated that similar proposals had faced opposition from doctors and healthcare associations in the past as well.
Maharashtra Clinical Establishment Act 2025: Key Highlights
- Registration mandatory for all clinical establishments
- Penalty up to ₹5 lakh for violations
- Six-month jail term for non-compliance
- Emergency stabilisation treatment compulsory
- State-level council to regulate standards
- Mandatory disclosure of treatment charges
- Covers modern medicine and AYUSH systems
- Aims to replace Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949
