End of Free Healthcare.

Maharashtra Govt to Charge Fees at State-Run Hospitals

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Wasim Sheikh 

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@hindostantimes.com

Yavatmal– After two and a half years of providing free medical services, the Maharashtra Public Health Department has introduced a major shift in its policy. The state government has decided to discontinue the blanket free-treatment scheme and implement a revised fee structure for various medical services across Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Rural Hospitals, and District Hospitals.

Under the new regulations, patients visiting government facilities will no longer receive all services free of charge.

A nominal fee of ₹10 will be charged for hospital entry/case papers, Patients admitted to General Wards will be charged ₹75 per day, while those opting for AC rooms will have to pay ₹150 per day.

The cost of advanced diagnostic tests, which were previously free, has now been fixed:

Will cost approximately ₹1,600,CT scan Prices will range between ₹300 and ₹400. Complex procedures like joint replacements could now cost patients up to ₹40,000.

The government has also modified its policy regarding maternity services. While the first delivery remains free, charges will be applicable for every subsequent delivery thereafter.

This decision has sparked a debate across the state. While the department views this as a strategic shift in health policy, critics and health activists argue that it will place a heavy financial burden on the economically weaker sections.

For the rural population that relies almost entirely on state-run facilities, these charges—though appearing nominal for some—could significantly impact their access to timely healthcare. There are growing concerns that the "Right to Health" for the underprivileged may be compromised due to these rising costs.