Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Tuesday raised serious concerns in the state Assembly during Maharashtra Budget Session 2026 over private hospitals allegedly denying benefits under government-backed health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
During the Question Hour, Wadettiwar stated that several hospitals, particularly in Chandrapur district and other parts of the state, are refusing to provide treatment to eligible patients unless upfront payments are made. He termed the situation “arbitrary functioning” by private hospitals and called for immediate and strict action against those violating the norms.
Implementation gaps leave poor patients struggling
Highlighting lapses in implementation, Vijay Wadettiwar pointed out that despite the existence of well-structured health schemes, their on-ground execution remains weak. He said that the intended beneficiaries – economically weaker sections – are often unable to access free or subsidised treatment due to non-cooperation from hospitals.
He further informed the Assembly that he had already written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, drawing attention to the issue and seeking intervention to ensure that the schemes reach those in need.
According to Wadettiwar, administrative inefficiencies and lack of strict monitoring have resulted in poor enforcement, leaving many patients without timely medical care.
Government admits issue, promises legal enforcement
Responding to the concerns, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged that instances of hospitals denying treatment under these schemes do exist. He informed the House that out of 479 empanelled hospitals in Maharashtra, only 134 are currently implementing both schemes effectively.
Fadnavis revealed that several hospitals had approached the courts opposing certain provisions of the scheme. However, despite no stay being granted, many institutions continued to resist implementation.
Mandatory compliance, strict action warned
The Chief Minister assured that the state government has amended the relevant laws to bring all empanelled hospitals under stricter regulatory control. He emphasised that it will now be mandatory for all eligible hospitals to implement the health schemes without exception.
Fadnavis warned that any hospital found denying treatment or attempting to bypass the schemes will face strict action in accordance with the law, following due legal procedures.
The government’s stance signals a tougher approach towards ensuring that flagship healthcare schemes are implemented effectively, particularly for the benefit of underprivileged patients who rely on them for critical medical services.
