Maharashtra private hospitals must display treatment rates in Marathi and English

The Maharashtra government has issued a new order for private hospitals in the state. Under it, hospitals must display the list of rates for treatment and other medical services in both Marathi and English at a clearly visible place. The move has been described as a major relief for ordinary patients who end up in financial distress because of hefty bills after treatment at a private hospital.

The public health department issued the government circular on Friday, October 17, 2026. According to the circular, the rate list must be put up on hospital premises at a spot where patients and their relatives can easily see and read it. It also warns of administrative and legal action against hospitals that break the rule.

It has often happened that a patient is handed a very large bill after treatment at a private hospital. Full details of the fees for treatment, tests, medicines and other medical services are not given beforehand, which leads to disputes between patients and hospital administrations. With the state government's decision, patients will know the rates for different services before treatment begins. This will make it easier to estimate the likely expense. Transparency in fees will increase and it will help prevent possible financial fleecing of patients.

The circular refers to Schedule 3 of the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Rules, 2021, under which hospitals must display the rates of their medical services and facilities. The rule applies to private hospitals and medical institutions registered under the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949. Keeping the rate list only in English will not be enough; it must also be provided in Marathi. This will let Marathi-speaking patients who come for treatment from villages or other districts understand the fee details easily as well.

If hospitals change the fees for treatment or medical services, the revised rate list must be put up immediately. The provision is considered important for preventing the confusion caused when an old rate list is displayed but different fees are charged in the actual bill. The main aim of the decision is that patients get clear information about the fees they will be charged.

Staff at the hospital's registration, inquiry and billing counters have also been instructed to give patients correct information. If patients or their relatives ask about treatment fees, test rates or available treatment packages, the staff must give them the necessary guidance. This is expected to reduce misunderstandings about the cost of treatment.

The circular also has a special rule for foreign patients. A large number of foreign patients come to Maharashtra for treatment. Hospitals offer special treatment packages for foreign nationals who come to India on a medical visa or an Ayush visa. The government circular says hospitals must also clearly display the rates of the special packages applicable to such patients. This will help foreign patients understand the cost of treatment too.

The health department has taken a strict stand to stop practices such as not putting up a rate list, hiding fee details or keeping the rates unclear. Private hospitals that violate the government directions may face administrative and legal action under the applicable laws and rules. It is hoped that the decision will increase transparency in private healthcare.