In the aftermath of the 2023 Nanded hospital tragedy, where 24 patients lost their lives within 24 hours due to inadequate facilities, Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced wide-ranging healthcare reforms. The third-party drug testing, better control over procurement, and infrastructure development are some of the reforms proposed for the improvement of the health system in the state.

Key Highlights:
Independent Drug Testing:

• Decision: The drugs provided to state hospitals shall be tested through third-party testing for quality and accountability.

• Verification: Hospitals shall procure drugs from reputed companies and check the "drug content" of whatever stock may already exist.

Accountability Measures:

• The suppliers/procurement officials involved in discrepancies shall be dealt with sternly.

• The Manpower of MMGPA shall be strengthened for better oversight.

Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities:
Enforcement of the Bombay Nursing Act:

1. Private hospitals will be required to prominently display inspection details and service charges to avoid exploitation of patients.

2. A new law will govern private blood testing and diagnostic laboratories.

3. Flying squads will regularly inspect private laboratories to ensure compliance.

Public Hospital Reforms:

• Standardization of hospital designs under the National Health Mission will be proposed.

• Hospital architecture will be designed to balance functionality with aesthetics.

• An architectural panel will be formed to oversee these improvements.

Background:
These announcements come after the appointment of Chandrakant Dange as CEO of MMGPA, a move prompted by the Nanded hospital incident.

Statements from Stakeholders

• Prakash Abitkar, Health Minister:

“We will take strict action against discrepancies in procurement and ensure high-quality medicines are supplied to hospitals.”

• Maharashtra Health Department:

“Hospitals must procure medicines from reputed companies and verify their content to ensure patient safety.”These all-encompassing reforms by the Maharashtra government will restore confidence in public healthcare and will prevent tragedies such as the Nanded hospital tragedy from happening in the future. The state looks forward to third-party drug testing, stricter regulation of private labs, and upgrading its hospitals' infrastructures to provide accountability and the safety of its patients.