Special Correspondent
Mumbai: The plight of patients at private hospitals has once again come to light, this time through an incident at Dinanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Mangesh Chiwte, Head of the Deputy Chief Minister’s Medical Cell, has laid out clear steps for citizens on how to lodge complaints against such private institutions.
“A hospital is meant to serve, not exploit. Gather solid evidence and raise your voice on the right platforms. Don’t stay silent—demand your rights!” urges Chiwte, who shared a post detailing the complaint process in a simple step-by-step format.
What kind of complaints can be filed?
Fraudulent billing: Unnecessary tests, inflated charges, or excessive rates
Misconduct: Disrespectful behavior from doctors/staff, treatment without informed consent
Fake medication: Substandard quality drugs or wrong diagnosis
Body withheld: Hospital refusing to release a deceased patient’s body until bills are cleared
False claims: ICU/ventilator promised but not provided
Step-by-step complaint procedure:
Step 1: Complain within the hospital
Submit a written complaint to the hospital’s grievance cell
Mention details: incident description, date, time, names of involved staff
Collect and preserve evidence: bills, prescriptions, photos/videos (maintain patient confidentiality)
Get an acknowledgment receipt and keep a copy of your complaint
Step 2: Approach government authorities
Report to the Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) at the District Health Office
Required documents: hospital bill, incident details, witnesses (if any)
Online complaint platforms:
Ayushman Bharat: grievance.abdm.gov.in
Maharashtra Government: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in
Ministry of Health (Central): mohfw@nic.in
Step 3: Complain to Medical Councils (NMC/MMC)
Against doctors:
National Medical Council: nmc.org.in
Maharashtra Medical Council: mmc.gov.in
Step 4: Consumer Court
File a complaint in the consumer forum for compensation due to service misconduct
Online platform: consumerhelpline.gov.in
Step 5: Police Complaint/FIR
In serious cases involving threats, misconduct, or criminal acts, file an FIR at the local police station
Use Social Media & Media to Amplify Your Voice
On Twitter (X):
Tag: @PMOIndia, @MoHFW_INDIA, @CMOMaharashtra
Use hashtags: #PatientRights #HospitalFraud
Example Tweet:
@CMOMaharashtra, XYZ Hospital gave us a fraudulent bill of ₹2 lakh. Please investigate! #HealthcareScam
On Facebook/Instagram:
Comment on the hospital’s official page
Share your experience in local community groups
Collect Evidence & Use RTI if Needed
Documents: Bills, medical reports, photos/videos, witness statements
RTI: Ask for hospital licenses or criminal history using rtionline.gov.in
Important Helplines:
National Health Helpline: 104
Consumer Helpline: 1915
Maharashtra Health Dept.: 020-26127358
