Charitable hospitals in Pune have received a stern warning from Joint Charity Commissioner Sudhir Kumar Bukke regarding potential actions for violating patient treatment regulations. Hospitals registered under Public Charitable Trusts, with an annual expenditure exceeding five lakh rupees, are obligated to provide subsidized treatment to economically weaker patients and free treatment to indigent patients.
The Maharashtra Public Trusts Act, 1950, mandates that hospitals registered under Public Charitable Trusts must provide treatment to indigent patients. This obligation was reinforced by the Bombay High Court in a 2004 decision, which directed charitable hospitals to reserve 10% of total beds for free treatment for poor patients and an additional 10% for subsidized treatment for weaker section patients.
Charitable hospitals found breaching these rules will face fines, and the government may withdraw exemptions from the public administration fund contribution for the concerned hospitals, starting from the next fiscal year. The Charity Commissioner’s Office will compile a report and advise the Maharashtra State Government on recovering the contribution amount payable to the Public Trust Administration Fund. Moreover, other concessions and benefits granted to such hospitals may be revoked.
Patients from economically disadvantaged sections are encouraged to seek treatment in charitable hospitals listed in the district. In cases where hospitals refuse treatment, patients have the right to file complaints with the Hospital Superintendent and the Inspector of the Charity Office, prompting necessary actions against such hospitals.
In response to the regulations regarding patient treatment in charitable hospitals, Sudhir Kumar Bukke emphasized, “Charitable hospitals should admit the patient immediately in case of an emergency. All necessary medical facilities should be provided until the patient is stabilized. If required, transport facilities should be provided to take the patient to a public hospital for further treatment. Charitable hospitals should not ask for any deposit on admission for emergency patients.”
