Maharashtra: Members of the Indian Medical Association across the state have come out strongly against the impractical amendments that will force 90% of the registered nursing homes to shut down. In a letter addressed to Rajesh Tope, State Health Minister, the IMA members expressed that the regulations are impossible to comply with.

Dr. Mangesh Pate, Honorary Secretary, IMA, stated that there are 25000 nursing homes in Maharashtra that have raised several objections after the amendment notification was issued last year. Per the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration (Amendments) Rules, 2021, the fees for registration and renewal have been revised to Rs.5000, for Grade A nursing homes and Rs.4500 for Grade B nursing homes, etc. The amendment also added that any nursing home in rural areas with more than five beds would be charged for every additional bed along with minimum standard norms for the physical structure of the nursing home apart from staffing patterns.

IMA members have pointed out that while issues of fire safety, Biomedical waste disposal, and others are relevant, the new amendments are unfortunately linked with the registration process. These amendments interfere with the medical administration and healthcare services in the state. They have also added that despite repeated requests by the IMA members, there is no response from the Government.