Medical Fraternity Debates Legality of Right to Health in Maharashtra
Mumbai, Maharashtra: The recent developments in the Right to Health Bill in Rajasthan have sparked a heated debate within the medical fraternity of Maharashtra. Doctors, hospital owners, and health experts are engaged in discussions surrounding the legality, implementation, and ramifications of a similar bill in the state.
In the backdrop of the Vidarbha Hospital Association’s (VHA) landmark victory in the Supreme Court against the Maharashtra government’s attempt to cap charges for non-COVID patients, the medical fraternity is now scrutinizing the implications of the Right to Health Bill.
While some doctors argue that the bill would put undue burden on private hospitals and medical practitioners, others, particularly public health experts, believe it is a necessary step towards ensuring equitable healthcare access for all citizens.
Senior doctors in Nagpur have expressed concerns about the potential challenges faced by hospitals if such a bill were to be implemented.
On the other hand, public health experts and activists argue that the Right to Health Bill would empower citizens to demand healthcare from the government, thereby improving the overall healthcare system. Abhay Shukla, National Co-Convener of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, stated, “Just like MGNREGA made work a right, when health becomes a right, people will be empowered to demand it from the government. This will draw the government’s focus on the gaps in the system.”
The ongoing debate has raised questions about the clarity and fairness of the bill’s provisions. While doctors express apprehensions about the reimbursement mechanisms and potential misuse of redressal systems, public health experts stress the importance of defining emergency treatment and ensuring access to healthcare as a fundamental right.
As the debate unfolds, Maharashtra’s medical fraternity remains divided on the legality and implications of the Right to Health Bill. With the experiences of Rajasthan and VHA’s Supreme Court victory, all eyes are on the future of healthcare legislation in Rajastan and its potential impact on the medical community and patients alike.
By Ankit Kesari, MaharashtraTV24 News
