Maharashtra steps up action against unregistered nursing homes, bogus doctors

Written By : Rumela De Sarkar Published On 2026-03-18T16:45:52+05:30 | Updated On 18 March 2026 4:46 PM IST

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Mumbai: To tackle rising concerns over illegal medical practices, the Maharashtra government has constituted a state-level task force to crack down on bogus doctors and unregistered nursing homes across the state. The task force, which will be headed by the Additional Chief Secretary of Urban Development and senior Health Department officials, will submit a detailed action report in the next legislative session.

Addressing concerns raised in the House, Minister Uday Samant acknowledged that the problem is widespread and not limited to Mumbai. He stated that while action has been taken against 35 nursing homes, mostly in the Govandi and Chembur areas, the state has 1,371 registered nursing homes, and recent complaints have highlighted gaps in monitoring, inspections, and certification processes.

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The newly constituted task force will comprise officials from the police department and government medical colleges to coordinate action against illegal medical practices and unauthorised healthcare facilities. Senior Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) health officials will also be instructed to intensify measures against quacks operating in the city.

Under existing rules, the fine for operating an illegal nursing home is just Rs 50, and imprisonment is limited to six months, prompting the need for stricter regulations

Legislators have expressed concern over unregistered private hospitals and nursing homes continuing to operate despite existing regulations. BJP MLC Chitra Wagh questioned whether inquiries had been conducted and what action had been taken. Congress MLC Bhai Jagtap pointed out contradictions between the government’s earlier written replies and the current enforcement measures being announced. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir highlighted the importance of enforcing existing laws effectively.

Samant said that apart from the two senior bureaucrats, the health commissioner, divisional commissioners, and an inspector-general would be part of the task force. “The additional chief secretaries of the urban development will have the authority to include necessary officials in the committee. The committee, apart from detailing actions taken against bogus nursing homes, will have the authority to recommend amendments to the act. This committee will be the controlling authority to suggest necessary amendments, which will lead to stringent action against the guilty,” he said, reports the Indian Express.

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According to TOI, he also referred to a case linked to a well-known private hospital in the western suburbs, saying the newly formed task force would examine such matters and take action wherever required. The govt's response comes amid scrutiny following civic concerns over bogus practitioners and unauthorised medical establishments continuing to operate despite existing regulations.

Rumela De Sarkar

With a keen interest in storytelling and a dedication to uncovering facts, Rumela De Sarkar joined Medical Dialogues as a Correspondent in 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of North Bengal. Rumela covers a wide range of healthcare topics, including medical news, policy updates, and developments related to doctors, hospitals, and medical education

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