Pune: Private Hospitals Oppose PMC Order on Emergency Treatment Without Advance Payment
Pune, 9th April 2025: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has directed all private hospitals in the city not to demand advance payments from patients seeking emergency treatment. The order was issued in the wake of a recent incident at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where a pregnant woman allegedly died after being denied treatment due to lack of funds.
However, the move has drawn strong opposition from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Hospital Board of India, who argue that the directive lacks legal standing and could disrupt hospital operations.
The circular, issued by PMC Health Officer Dr. Neena Borade, urges hospitals to treat patients respectfully and refrain from demanding advance deposits during emergencies. The directive followed widespread public outrage over the Dinanath case, which sparked protests and vandalism at the hospital premises.
In response, the Pune chapters of IMA and the Hospital Board of India convened an emergency meeting, during which representatives from private hospitals expressed concern over the directive. They condemned the attack on Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and called for restraint until the inquiry is complete.
The hospital associations further claimed that the civic body had misinterpreted Rule 11(j) of the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act. While the rule mandates that emergency care must be provided, it does not explicitly prohibit collecting advance payments in general, they said.
The associations warned that the directive has led to public confusion, with many now assuming no advance is required even for planned treatments or admissions. They emphasized that hospitals are legally obligated to provide cost estimates for such cases, and curbing this practice could severely impact their functioning.
Dr. Sanjay Patil, National Secretary of the Hospital Board of India, said, “The protests and vandalism have instilled fear among smaller hospitals. Many are now hesitant to admit emergency patients. Legal provisions are being misinterpreted, creating unnecessary pressure on private healthcare facilities.”
Key Points Raised by Private Hospitals:
The Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital incident is still under inquiry; no negligence has been proven.
The PMC directive misinterprets legal provisions.
Advance estimates for planned procedures are mandatory by law.
Blanket bans on advance payments can hinder operational sustainability.
Smaller hospitals are increasingly fearful and uncertain about handling emergency cases.
As the debate continues, the PMC has yet to clarify whether it will revise or enforce the directive. Meanwhile, hospital associations have urged for legal clarity and a more collaborative approach to ensure patient safety without undermining private healthcare providers.
