Maharashtra has directed private hospitals, clinics and other medical establishments across the state to prominently display rates for medical services and facilities in Marathi and English, in a move aimed at curbing overcharging and reducing disputes over treatment bills.
The requirement was set out in a Government Resolution issued by the state public health department. The resolution states that rates for medical services and available facilities listed under Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Registration Rules, 2021, must be displayed prominently in locations visible and accessible to people visiting the hospital.
Hospitals must place the rate lists at prominent points within their premises and update them immediately whenever charges are revised. The directive also requires establishments to provide adequate information about applicable service charges and treatment package costs, allowing patients and their relatives to understand likely expenses before or during treatment.
The department said the measure is intended to bring greater transparency to healthcare services. By making charges available in two languages, the government expects patients and families to make more informed decisions, plan medical expenses and raise billing complaints with clearer information about the services charged.
Registration desks, enquiry counters and billing counters have also been instructed to guide patients and their relatives about the availability of rate lists and the charges applicable to treatment and other services. This places a direct information responsibility on frontline hospital staff, where patients commonly seek clarification about costs.
The resolution includes a separate requirement for hospitals treating foreign patients who have travelled to India on medical or Ayush visas. Such establishments must display the special package rates applicable to those patients. The directive does not state that hospitals must charge a uniform rate, but requires them to make the applicable rates visible and keep the information current.
The public health department said the display of hospital service rates was already mandatory. The latest directive follows instructions issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on October 12 and reinforces the compliance obligations for medical establishments in Maharashtra.
District civil surgeons and district and municipal health officers have been instructed to inform private hospitals and other medical establishments under their jurisdiction about the directive. Authorities responsible for hospital registration, regulation and supervision must periodically review compliance with Schedule III of the 2021 rules.
Hospitals and other establishments found violating the requirements may face administrative and legal action, according to the resolution. The implementation of the directive will therefore depend on local health authorities communicating the requirement, checking whether rate lists are displayed and acting against institutions that fail to comply.
