The government of Maharashtra has officially announced the OPD Charges Update for all public hospitals, effective from September 2025. This revision aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and ensure better quality medical services for all citizens. Under the Maharashtra Health Scheme, the state is introducing revised rates for outpatient department (OPD) consultations, diagnostic tests, and other essential services in government hospitals.
This change is a major step toward improving accessibility to modern healthcare while maintaining affordability. With rising medical costs across the country, the new fee structure is designed to balance the need for quality healthcare facilities and the economic realities of both patients and hospitals.
What the OPD Charges Update Means for Patients
The OPD Charges Update focuses on restructuring consultation fees, lab test costs, and other OPD-related expenses while still keeping them lower compared to private hospitals. For the first time, the Maharashtra Health Scheme also includes special provisions for economically weaker sections, senior citizens, and children.
Key objectives of the new update include:
-
Ensuring affordable yet modern healthcare facilities for all.
-
Funding improvements in public hospital infrastructure and equipment.
-
Providing subsidies and exemptions for eligible beneficiaries.
-
Maintaining transparency in medical service charges.
Revised OPD Charges in Maharashtra (Effective Sept 2025)
| Service Type | Previous Charge (INR) | Revised Charge (INR) | Eligible Subsidy (If Any) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General OPD Consultation | 10 | 20 | Free for BPL Families |
| Specialist Consultation | 50 | 80 | 50% off for Senior Citizens |
| X-ray (Basic) | 100 | 150 | 30% Subsidy |
| Blood Test (Basic) | 50 | 80 | Free for Children <12 yrs |
| ECG | 150 | 200 | 25% Subsidy |
The table above highlights the revised charges across common OPD services while also showing available subsidies. Patients from low-income backgrounds will still receive significant benefits under the Maharashtra Health Scheme.
Impact of the Maharashtra Health Scheme
The Maharashtra Health Scheme is one of the most comprehensive healthcare programs in India, designed to offer free or highly subsidized treatment for eligible groups. With the OPD Charges Update, this scheme will now cover a wider range of services, ensuring that patients continue to enjoy affordable healthcare despite the updated rates.
Moreover, the revised charges will contribute to upgrading medical equipment, enhancing hospital infrastructure, and hiring additional healthcare professionals. This is expected to reduce patient waiting times and improve overall service quality in public hospitals.
Benefits of the OPD Charges Update
The OPD Charges Update brings multiple benefits for patients and healthcare institutions alike. Patients will continue to receive affordable treatment, while hospitals will have the resources needed to maintain quality services.
Key benefits include:
-
Better medical facilities and modern equipment.
-
Enhanced training and hiring of doctors and support staff.
-
Subsidized care for vulnerable groups like senior citizens and BPL families.
-
Expanded coverage for preventive and diagnostic care.
With these changes, the Maharashtra Health Scheme continues to focus on both preventive and curative healthcare services for citizens.
Long-Term Vision of the New OPD Structure
The revised OPD Charges Update is not just about increasing fees but about building a sustainable healthcare model for Maharashtra. The government is committed to providing affordable services without compromising on quality. This updated structure ensures that public hospitals can operate efficiently and cater to the growing healthcare demands of the population.
By investing the additional revenue generated from revised charges back into the public health system, Maharashtra aims to create a robust network of hospitals equipped with advanced technologies. The Maharashtra Health Scheme will also expand its reach to ensure that rural and remote areas have access to top-tier medical facilities.
Conclusion
The OPD Charges Update in Maharashtra is a progressive step aimed at improving the overall quality of healthcare services in public hospitals. With the strong backing of the Maharashtra Health Scheme, the revised rates remain affordable for most citizens, especially those from economically weaker sections who continue to benefit from subsidies and exemptions. This balanced approach ensures that healthcare remains both accessible and sustainable.
FAQs
What is the OPD Charges Update?
The OPD Charges Update refers to the revised consultation and diagnostic charges implemented in Maharashtra’s public hospitals starting from September 2025.
How does the Maharashtra Health Scheme support patients?
The Maharashtra Health Scheme offers subsidies, exemptions, and free medical services to eligible families, ensuring healthcare remains affordable despite revised charges.
Are the new OPD charges applicable to all hospitals?
Yes, the revised rates are applicable to all government and public hospitals across Maharashtra from September 2025.
Will BPL families still receive free treatment?
Yes, BPL families will continue to enjoy free or subsidized OPD consultations and diagnostic services under the Maharashtra Health Scheme.
click here to learn more