<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra government has given a three month extension to its earlier decision to reserve 80 per cent beds in private hospitals and nursing homes across the state to treat Covid-19 patients. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that with the availability of beds, the rate of treatment will also be controlled. <br />''<br />''According to Maharashtra government's recent order, private hospitals are required to treat patients at government rates. The rates in the revised notification also include those on supplying oxygen to a patient. Therefore, hospitals will not be able to charge a separate amount for oxygen supply.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The notification also mentions the rates for PPE kit, which will be charged at Rs 600 per day in general wards and Rs 1,200 per day in ICU and ventilator systems. If the rate is higher than that, the hospitals will have to give reasons. It has been instructed that before handing over the bill to the patient, it should be checked by the appointed auditor.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The provisions in the Maharashtra Essential Services Management Act, Mesma, Emergency Management Act, Infectious Diseases Control Act, Bombay Charitable Trust and Bombay Nursing Home Act will make it mandatory for private hospitals to comply with the state government's order and control the rate of treatment as well as provide beds to Covid-19 patients.</span> <br />