Maharashtra Minister Urges Hospital Participation in Health Schemes, Warns of Action Against Violations

Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar urged leading private hospitals in Mumbai to join the integrated Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana schemes to expand affordable healthcare access. He highlighted the increase in covered treatments from 1,356 to around 2,300 and assured government support. The minister warned of strict action, including FIRs and delisting, against hospitals charging patients despite cashless treatment provisions, citing 368 complaints and penalties of ₹60 lakh. AI-based monitoring and district committees have been established to oversee scheme implementation and curb irregularities.