Maharashtra government, in a serious proposal to limit the cuts, commissions and unfair trade practices in the medical and healthcare profession, proposes to set stringent rules. On Tuesday, the government has established a six member committee headed by the minister of medical education. This committee is expected to submit the report to the state cabinet in a fortnight.

The government has shaped The Prevention of Cut Practices in Healthcare Services Act to prevent the cut practice among doctors in the state. The rules will be prepared for effective implementation of the Act. The provisions of the Act will include many illegal practices including any favour, payment, gift, gratuity or inducement given, solicited, offered or received in whatever manner, either directly or indirectly, or through any third person in the state or anywhere else, by a healthcare service provider.

Also, all complaints will be referred to the Maharashtra Medical Council and subsequently, necessary action will be initiated against the doctors indulging in this malpractice.

State medical education department officer told DNA that the state cabinet at its meeting held in July had held extensive discussions on the provisions of the Act and it was decided to make rules for the stringent implementation of the Act. Hence, the committee will make these rules.

Indian Medical Association (Maharashtra) secretary Dr Suhas Pingle told DNA that IMA stands for ethical practices where medical services are concerned. The committee will put its recommendations in public domain before it is presented to the state legislature. He also said that the Act will not be utilized to harass innocent doctors.

City based surgeon Dr Parthiv Sanghvi said that based on reliability of evidence, its tenability should be thoroughly scrutinized by the expert committee before summoning the doctor in question. In case of fake complaints, the complainant should be punished with heavy fine and imprisonment.