Maharashtra Health Department Clarifies: Treatment in Government Hospitals Remains Free
Maharashtra Health Department Clarifies: Treatment in Government Hospitals Remains Free
Pune | February 10, 2026:
Following public anger over reports suggesting that treatment in government hospitals would become chargeable, the Maharashtra Health Department has clarified that the information was issued due to an error and that all treatment in government hospitals will continue to be free.
A citizen’s charter released by the Health Department had recently stated that treatment in hospitals under its control would be paid, which led to widespread concern and media coverage. After the issue drew criticism, the department issued a written clarification on Monday.
Deputy Secretary Kailas Salunke stated that a fee schedule was attached by mistake and had been added inadvertently. The department admitted the error and clarified that there has been no change in policy.
Officials confirmed that all services in Health Department hospitals were made free nearly two-and-a-half years ago, and this policy remains in force.
The department further explained that a citizen’s charter issued on January 16 mistakenly included a rate list from a 2015 government resolution. After the mistake was identified, a corrigendum was issued on February 9, removing the rate list. The Health Department reiterated that all tests, consultations, and treatments in government hospitals will continue to be provided free of cost, as before.
Questions Over Department Communication
The state Health Department currently has two Health Directors, Dr Nitin Ambadekar and Dr Vijay Kandewad. However, both have remained unavailable for media interaction, raising concerns over transparency and public communication.
Health sector activists and department staff have urged the Health Minister to intervene to ensure better accountability and clearer communication from the department in the future.
