Maharashtra mandates 20% hospital beds for poor patients

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra state Assembly has approved a new amendment to the Maharashtra Public Trusts Act. This change aims to ensure that the poor receive better medical care at charitable hospitals. Under the new rules, all charitable hospitals that receive financial benefits from the government must reserve 20% of their beds for low-income patients. Out of this percentage, 10% must be available free of charge for patients living below the poverty line. The remaining beds can be offered at reduced rates. Previously, the rule was unclear, leading to complaints from patients who were denied treatment at charitable hospitals. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis proposed the amendments to address these concerns. Currently, only 94 charitable hospitals provide charity beds. With this amendment, an additional 303 hospitals will now follow these rules, significantly increasing access to care for those in need.