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Pune, June 11, 2025
The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC), the state’s regulatory body for medical practitioners, announced today that it will launch a major initiative to fast-track the disposal of over 650 pending complaints of medical negligence, beginning next week. The backlog, some cases of which have been pending for up to 15 years, has long been a concern for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Addressing the Backlog
The MMC, a quasi-judicial authority responsible for the registration and renewal of over 2.05 lakh registered medical practitioners (RMPs) in Maharashtra, receives approximately 50 to 60 new complaints of medical negligence each year. However, with the current staff strength, the council has struggled to keep up with the accumulating caseload. Officials noted that the increasing number of medical seats and growing patient awareness have contributed to a rise in complaints, with several medical associations also filing cases.
New Measures and Training
To tackle this challenge, the MMC is bringing in additional expertise. Recently, 150 doctors from both government and private hospitals received specialized training from the National Medical Commission (NMC) on handling medical negligence cases. These trained professionals will now assist the council in investigating and hearing complaints, aiming to expedite the review process and deliver justice more swiftly.
Dr. Vinky Rughwani, administrator of the MMC, emphasized the council’s commitment to accountability and fairness. “There are cases pending for several years, some even up to 15 years. These are not new cases but have accumulated over time,” he said. “We are also considering the use of digital tools and streamlined processes to further improve efficiency.”
Past Success and Future Plans
This is not the first time the MMC has attempted to reduce its backlog. Between 2017 and 2022, the council successfully reduced pending cases from 1,500 to 800 using a fast-track disposal method. Encouraged by this success, the MMC is now planning to adopt a similar strategy to address the current backlog.
Stakeholder Reactions
The move has been welcomed by both citizens and healthcare professionals. Patients’ rights groups have long demanded quicker resolution of medical negligence cases, while doctors hope that timely handling will prevent prolonged legal uncertainty. Dr. Avdhut Bodamwad of Lopmudra Hospitals commented, “Timely and transparent resolution of complaints is in everybody’s interest. It not only protects patient rights but also safeguards doctors from prolonged legal uncertainty. This initiative is a much-needed step toward restoring public trust.”
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information sourced from the Hindustan Times and official statements from the Maharashtra Medical Council. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to refer to the original sources for the most current and detailed information. The views expressed by stakeholders are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Maharashtra Medical Council.
