Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 18: The Maharashtra government has initiated disciplinary action against doctors in state-run hospitals over unauthorised absenteeism, leading to the termination of 58 medical officers, the Legislative Council was informed.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar said notices were issued to 710 doctors, of whom 442 faced disciplinary action. He noted that the move is part of efforts to improve transparency and efficiency in the healthcare system.
The government is also planning to introduce biometric, facial recognition, and GPS-based attendance systems across health facilities to curb absenteeism.
Abitkar further informed that treatment coverage under Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana has been expanded, with the number of covered ailments increased from 1,359 to 2,399. Hospitals have been directed not to levy additional charges on beneficiaries.
Addressing concerns over rising cancer cases, the minister said preventive and curative measures are being accelerated. A vaccination drive targeting girls aged 14 and 15 has been launched, while a proposal for a comprehensive screening programme for citizens above 30 has been submitted to the Asian Development Bank. Cancer treatment facilities and day-care centres are also being set up in phases across the state.
He added that procurement of medicines has been streamlined with the establishment of the Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority in February 2023, replacing earlier systems handled by the Haffkine Institute. Medicines are now procured through a centralised tendering process based on institutional demand.
Meanwhile, Industries Minister Uday Samant announced that a special task force will be constituted to act against bogus doctors and unauthorised nursing homes. He said the existing law provides for a nominal penalty of ?50 and six months imprisonment, and a stricter policy is being formulated.
The task force will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department and include senior officials from the health sector. It is expected to submit its report in the next session of the legislature.
Abitkar also said FIRs will be registered against hospitals charging patients under government health schemes. He added that private hospitals and nursing homes are regulated under the Maharashtra Nursing Registration Act, 1949, with inspections carried out regularly.
In Mumbai, there are 1,371 registered nursing homes, and action has been taken against 35 unauthorised facilities in Govandi, Ghatkopar, and Kurla areas.