Mumbai: A large number of private hospitals empanelled under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) — which covers over 1,600 medical and surgical procedures — are reeling under financial strain as the Maharashtra government has failed to clear pending bills worth over Rs 182 crore. The dues have remained unpaid for several months, with many hospitals claiming that payments have been stuck since last year.

According to official data, of the 1,792 hospitals participating in the scheme, 1,144 are private. The backlog has hit smaller hospitals the hardest, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where MJPJAY beneficiaries form a major share of patients.

Many hospitals are now reluctant to admit new patients under the scheme due to uncertainty over reimbursements. In some cases, essential surgeries have been reportedly postponed as suppliers have stopped providing medical implants and consumables amid unpaid dues.

An official from the Health Department said the government has so far disbursed around Rs1,550 crore. However, as of the last week of September, about Rs 182 crore remained pending.

The delay has been attributed to the scheme’s transition from an insurance-based model—where private insurers settled hospital claims—to an “assurance mode,” under which the state government directly manages payments.

State Health Minister Prakash Abitkar admitted there were some technical issues that led to the delay. “The finance department has already approved the payments, and they will be cleared gradually before the end of the year,” Abitkar said. He added that as of now, only Rs 182 crore remains pending.

While the government claims to have cleared most payments under various health schemes, hospital associations argue that the settlement process remains slow and inconsistent. Verification and approval of claims often take months, disrupting cash flow and routine hospital operations.

Healthcare experts warn that such payment delays undermine the very purpose of MJPJAY—to provide free, cashless treatment to low-income families. They caution that unless the government expedites bill clearances and ensures timely reimbursements, the credibility of the state’s flagship health assurance scheme could be at risk.

Abitkar has assured that pending dues will be cleared soon and announced that, starting next year, all MJPJAY bills will be settled on a monthly basis to prevent future backlogs.

Navi Mumbai, October 11: The newly built Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) road witnessed its first accident around 4 pm on Friday, causing panic among locals and motorists. three cars travelling at high speed on the Ulwe-Panvel service road collided with each other. Fortunately, no major injuries were reported, though the vehicles sustained significant damage.

Preliminary information suggests that a car heading from Panvel city towards the airport rammed into a tempo coming from the opposite direction. The impact was so severe that the sound of the crash could be heard across the area. Within moments, another car trailing behind the first vehicle hit the accident site, resulting in a three-vehicle pile-up.

The accident’s intensity caused the small tempo to overturn, blocking the road completely for a brief period. Locals and motorists quickly rushed to help and rescued the tempo driver, who sustained minor injuries as per the report. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Upon receiving the alert, police officials arrived at the scene and cleared the wreckage to restore the traffic flow. The incident has been registered at the local police station. Initial investigations point towards over-speeding and negligence as the primary causes of the mishap.

As this is the first reported accident on the newly constructed NMIA road, concerns have been raised about road safety and speed management. The route sees frequent movement of heavy vehicles and construction materials related to the airport project. Police have urged motorists to follow traffic rules strictly and maintain safe driving speeds.

The incident has prompted calls for increased vigilance and safety measures along the high-speed corridor connecting Panvel to the upcoming international airport.

Mumbai: Parents will soon be able to verify whether their children’s schools have implemented the child safety measures mandated by the Maharashtra government. The state informed the Bombay High Court on Friday that over 88,000 of the total 1,00,816 schools have already uploaded their compliance details on a web portal launched by the education department.

The information was placed before a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil during the hearing of a suo motu PIL concerning child safety in schools. The court was told that the remaining schools are expected to upload their details by October 15.

Public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde submitted that the portal became operational on October 5 and can be accessed by anyone by entering the school’s name. “Schools have been directed to update all information by the 15th of every month,” she added.

The education department had circulated a 60-point questionnaire to government, aided and private schools, seeking details such as whether the May 13 government resolution (GR) was shared with parents via WhatsApp, email or notices; whether Sakhi-Savitribai committees and student safety committees have been formed; and if police verification of school and bus staff has been completed.

The bench, however, questioned the state’s data. “It (information provided by schools) says a workshop was scheduled. When was it done? Otherwise it is meaningless. Parents are unaware — specific date-wise details have to be given,” the court remarked.

The judges also directed that schools must designate a nodal officer to provide information to parents and that surprise inspections be conducted to verify compliance.

Amicus curiae (friend of the court) Advocate Rebecca Gonsalves suggested that the portal should be made bilingual. “The portal is only in English. It should be in Marathi as well since many parents may not know English,” she said. The court directed the government to ensure that information is made available in both languages.

Shinde further informed the bench that the Women and Child Development Department has issued a similar GR on July 3, 2025, applicable to residential schools. Also, the GR was adopted for Anganwadis and Ashramshalas in the state.

The court appreciated the state’s efforts but emphasised continued monitoring. “We are very happy with what has been done, but we are not disposing of this PIL until everything is in place,” the bench said.

It also directed the education department to publicise the portal through newspapers and notice boards so that parents can easily access and verify school compliance. The matter will be heard next after eight weeks.

The GR was issued following the high court taking suo motu (on its own) cognisance last year of the sexual assault of two minor girls in a Badlapur school.

The GR includes key safety measures such as mandatory CCTV installation on campuses, character verification of staff, accountability for student transportation, and education on distinguishing between good and bad touch. It also recommends awareness of cyberbullying and displaying the toll-free child helpline number ‘1098’ prominently on school premises.