The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Pune chapter, has called upon Health Minister Prakash Abitkar to reassess what it describes as stringent provisions introduced through amendments to the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act (BNHRA). The association has also demanded comprehensive consultations with medical stakeholders regarding the draft Maharashtra Clinical Establishments Act (MAHA CEA), 2026.
Memorandum Highlights Concerns
In a memorandum submitted to the minister on June 5, the IMA Pune chapter and the Hospital Board of India (HBI), Pune, warned that the proposed regulations under MAHA CEA could negatively impact small and medium hospitals across the state. The association, which represents approximately 5,000 doctors in Pune, emphasized that it has repeatedly flagged regulatory challenges faced by healthcare establishments.
The memorandum traces the roots of the concerns to the amendments made to the BNHRA in January 2021. The IMA argued that several provisions have created administrative and financial difficulties, particularly for hospitals with 10 to 30 beds. The association also expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of adequate involvement of major medical organizations in discussions on the proposed MAHA CEA, 2026.
Key Objections Raised
Dr. Alka Kshirsagar, president of IMA Pune chapter, stated, "Among the key objections raised is a reported proposal to impose a penalty of up to Rs 5 lakh and imprisonment of up to six months for certain norm violations. The IMA has raised concerns that such provisions could create an 'Inspector Raj' kind of environment and place additional pressure on healthcare institutions."
Dr. Kshirsagar further highlighted, "The association also highlighted a steep increase in registration renewal fees. The fees for the first five beds increased from Rs 100 to Rs 5,000, with an additional Rs 5,000 charged for every subsequent five beds. We also object to the provision proposing a 25% increase in fees every three years."
Impact on Small Clinics
Dr. Sanjay Patil, executive trustee of HBI, said, "The BNHRA amendments of 2021 are already in place. The previous minister had agreed to reduce the registration renewal charges, but it did not materialize. With these charges, a practicing doctor with a small clinic will end up paying lakhs just for registration renewal within a few years of getting into practice. It is not fair."
He added, "The draft of the CEA, 2026, has not been made public, but we got to know about the harsh punishments for doctors through media reports. So, we have written to the government to revise the amendments to the BNHRA in 2021 regarding registration fees and discuss the upcoming draft CEA 2026 with relevant stakeholders."
