The Maharashtra government has constituted a state-level task force to take strict action against bogus doctors and unregistered nursing homes operating across the state, amid growing concerns over patient safety and regulatory lapses.
The decision was announced after issues were raised in the state legislature regarding the continued functioning of unauthorized healthcare facilities despite existing regulations.
The newly formed task force will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Development, along with senior officials from the Health Department.
It will include:
Police department officials
Representatives from government medical colleges
Senior health officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)
The committee has been tasked with:
Coordinating action against illegal medical practices
Investigating unauthorized nursing homes
Submitting a detailed action-taken report in the next legislative session
Recommending amendments to existing laws for stricter enforcement
Importantly, the task force will also act as a controlling authority to propose legal reforms aimed at enabling stronger punitive action against offenders.
Responding to concerns raised in the House, Minister Uday Samant admitted that the issue is not confined to Mumbai but is widespread across Maharashtra. He stated that action has already been taken against 35 nursing homes, primarily in Govandi and Chembur, while noting that the state currently has 1,371 registered nursing homes.
He also acknowledged that recent complaints have exposed serious gaps in monitoring, inspection, and certification processes.
Several legislators questioned the government’s handling of the issue:
BJP MLC Chitra Wagh asked whether proper inquiries had been conducted and what actions followed
Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap highlighted contradictions between earlier written replies and current enforcement claims
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir stressed the need for effective implementation of existing laws
Their concerns underscored the urgency of tightening regulatory oversight.
The government acknowledged that current legal provisions are inadequate, noting that the penalty for running an illegal nursing home is just ₹50, with a maximum imprisonment of six months.
Officials said these minimal punishments fail to deter illegal practices, highlighting the urgent need for stricter regulations and harsher penalties.
Authorities have directed BMC health officials to intensify action against quacks in Mumbai, while district health departments have been instructed to strengthen inspections of private facilities.
The task force will also examine specific cases involving private hospitals, including those in Mumbai’s western suburbs, and initiate action wherever necessary.
(Rh/ARC)
