Rate Cards Mandatory in Marathi and English
Mumbai, October 2026 : The Maharashtra Public Health Department has made it mandatory for all private hospitals and other medical establishments across the state to prominently display the rates of medical services and facilities in places where patients can easily see them. The directive was issued through a government resolution dated October 16, 2026.
The move is intended to help patients and their relatives understand the potential cost of treatment in advance and plan their medical expenses accordingly.
The circular has been issued in accordance with instructions from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dated October 12, 2026.
Private hospitals and other medical establishments registered under the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, must display the rates of services and facilities specified in Schedule III of the Maharashtra Nursing Homes Rules, 2021. Under these rules, displaying charges for clinical and hospital services at a prominent location is a legal requirement.
Rate Cards Must Be Displayed in Two Languages
The rate cards must be available in both Marathi and English and displayed at prominent, clearly visible and easily accessible locations within hospital premises. Hospitals must update the displayed rate lists immediately whenever their charges change.
To prevent disputes and complaints regarding bills, hospitals must provide patients with adequate information about applicable service charges and the rates of various treatment packages.
Staff members at registration desks, enquiry counters and billing counters have been instructed to guide patients and their relatives regarding the displayed rate cards and applicable charges.
Hospitals treating foreign patients who travel to India on medical or AYUSH visas must also clearly display the special package rates applicable to these patients.
Authorities to Monitor Compliance
The competent authorities responsible for the registration, regulation and supervision of hospitals must periodically review compliance with the rate-display requirements.
Administrative and legal action must be taken against establishments found violating the rules, according to the government resolution.
The order further directs all civil surgeons, district health officers and medical health officers of municipal corporations to bring the circular to the attention of private hospitals and other medical establishments within their respective jurisdictions and ensure its effective implementation.
The directive seeks to improve transparency in hospital billing and ensure that patients and their families have clear information about treatment costs before making healthcare decisions.
