MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for private hospitals, clinics and other medical establishments across the state to prominently display rates of medical services and facilities in Marathi and English to curb overcharging and billing disputes.Authorities have been directed to take administrative and legal action against institutions violating the rule, the public health department said in a Government Resolution (GR) issued on Friday, news agency PTI reported.“The rates of medical services and available facilities specified under Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Rules, 2021, must be prominently displayed in a manner visible to everyone visiting the hospital,” the GR stated.The directive aims to bring transparency to healthcare services and help patients and their relatives understand the likely cost of treatment in advance.This would enable them to make informed decisions, plan medical expenses and avoid confusion and complaints over bills, it said.Hospitals must display the rate list in both Marathi and English at prominent, clearly visible and easily accessible locations within their premises, PTI reported.The list must be updated immediately whenever charges are revised, the GR stated.According to the resolution, hospitals must also provide adequate information on applicable service charges and treatment package costs to address billing-related complaints.Staff at registration desks, enquiry counters and billing counters have been directed to guide patients and their relatives about the availability of rate lists and applicable charges to avoid ambiguity.Hospitals treating foreign patients who have travelled to India on medical or Ayush visas must also display the special package rates applicable to them, the GR said.The resolution directs all competent authorities responsible for hospital registration, regulation and supervision to periodically review compliance with Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Rules, 2021, and initiate necessary administrative and legal action against establishments found violating the requirements, PTI reported.District civil surgeons and district and municipal health officers have been instructed to inform private hospitals and other medical establishments under their jurisdiction about the directive and ensure its effective implementation.The department said the requirement to display hospital service rates was already mandatory.The latest directive follows instructions issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 12.(With agency inputs)
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