Maharashtra government takes action against absentee doctors

The Maharashtra government initiated disciplinary proceedings against doctors in government hospitals for unauthorized absence, resulting in the dismissal of 58 medical officers. In the statement made to the Legislative Council on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, it was reported that 710 doctors were notified and action was taken against 442 people. The government has also outlined a series of measures to overhaul the province’s healthcare system, including technological improvements, expanded treatment coverage and a special task force to crack down on illegal medical practices.

Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Prakash Abitkar informed the House that the government has initiated steps to improve transparency and efficiency in the health department. In this context, action was taken against the health officials who were not present. Of the 710 people who were notified, 442 were subjected to disciplinary action, and 58 doctors were dismissed.

Mr. Abitkar stated that plans to introduce biometric, facial recognition and GPS-based attendance systems in healthcare facilities are ongoing. He also said that the scope of treatment under Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya schemes has been expanded and the number of ailments covered has been increased from 1,359 to 2,399. Hospitals were instructed not to charge additional fees to patients.

Regarding the increasing cancer cases, the Minister said that preventive and curative measures have been accelerated. A vaccination campaign has been launched for girls aged 14 and 15. A proposal for a comprehensive screening program for citizens over the age of 30 was submitted to the Asian Development Bank. Facilities and nurseries for cancer treatment are being gradually established across the state.

Mr. Abitkar also informed the Council that procurement of medicines has been made more transparent with the establishment of the Maharashtra Medical Supplies Procurement Authority in February 2023. Before that, from 2017 to 2020, drugs were purchased through the Haffkine Institute. He said that medicines are now purchased and supplied through a central tender process according to demands from health institutions.

In a separate debate, Industries Minister Uday Samant informed the Parliament that a special task force would be constituted to take action against fake doctors and unauthorized nursing homes. Mr. Samant said the existing law provides for a penalty of only ₹50 and six months imprisonment and a new, stricter policy will be introduced.

The task force will be headed by Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development Department. Its members will include the Principal Secretary of the Health Department, the concerned Departmental Commissioner and senior officials from the medical and healthcare sectors. Mr. Samant added that the committee will examine the situation and submit a report in the next session of the legislature.

Private hospitals and nursing homes are registered and inspected under the Maharashtra Nursing Registration Act, 1949, he said. Notifications are being issued by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation to hospitals operating without registration, directing them to close. Information about these hospitals is shared with all police stations and criminal proceedings are initiated. Currently, there are 1,371 registered nursing homes in Mumbai and action has been taken against 35 unauthorized nursing homes in Govandi, Ghatkopar and Kurla districts.