Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis during the State Assembly Budget session, at Vidhan Bhavan in Mumbai, on March 13, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Maharashtra government has initiated disciplinary proceedings against doctors in State-run hospitals for unauthorised absenteeism, resulting in the termination of 58 medical officers. Notices have been issued to 710 doctors, and action has been taken against 442 individuals, the Legislative Council was informed on Tuesday (March 17, 2026). The government also outlined a series of measures to overhaul the State’s healthcare system, including technological upgrades, expanded treatment coverage, and a special task force to crack down on illegal medical practice.
Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar informed the House that the government has initiated steps to improve transparency and efficiency in the health department. As part of this drive, action has been taken against absent medical officers. Of the 710 who were issued notices, disciplinary action was taken against 442, and the services of 58 doctors have been terminated.
Mr. Abitkar stated that plans are underway to introduce biometric, facial recognition, and GPS-based attendance systems in health facilities. He also said that the scope of treatment under the Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya schemes has been expanded, with the number of covered ailments increased from 1,359 to 2,399. Hospitals have been directed not to levy any additional charges on patients.
On the issue of rising cancer cases, the Minister said preventive and curative measures are being expedited. A vaccination drive has been launched for girls aged 14 and 15. A proposal for a comprehensive screening programme for citizens above the age of 30 has been submitted to the Asian Development Bank. Facilities for cancer treatment and day-care centres are being established across the state in a phased manner.
Mr. Abitkar also informed the Council that the procurement of medicines has been made more transparent with the establishment of the Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority in February 2023. Prior to this, from 2017 to 2020, medicines were procured through the Haffkine Institute. He said medicines are now procured and supplied through a centralised tendering process based on the demands from health institutions.
In a separate discussion, Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the House that a special task force will be constituted to take action against bogus doctors and unauthorized nursing homes. Mr. Samant said the current law provides for a penalty of only ₹50 and six months imprisonment, and a new, stricter policy will be introduced.
The task force will be chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development Department. Its members will include the Principal Secretary of the Health Department, the concerned Divisional Commissioner, and senior officials from the medical and health sectors. The committee will review the situation and submit a report in the next session of the legislature, Mr. Samant added.
He stated that private hospitals and nursing homes are registered and inspected under the Maharashtra Nursing Registration Act, 1949. Notices are issued by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to hospitals operating without registration, directing them to close. Information about such hospitals is shared with all police stations, and penal action is taken. Currently, there are 1,371 registered nursing homes in Mumbai, and action has been taken against 35 unauthorized nursing homes in Govandi, Ghatkopar, and Kurla areas.
Published – March 18, 2026 12:31 pm IST
