The Maharashtra public health department has issued a show cause notice to KEM Hospital following allegations of irregularities and violations of various acts. Officials disclosed that the notice stemmed from repeated infractions observed during a surprise visit to the hospital.
In December of last year, a routine inspection revealed purported violations of several laws, including the ART (Regulation) Act 2021, Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, PC-PNDT Act, Bio-Medical Waste Rules 2016, and Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act 1949 and Regulations 2021. Subsequently, the hospital was served a notice, prompting a response via email. However, officials stated that the hospital’s reply lacked the required seriousness, as it failed to submit a hard copy of its response.
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, deputy director of health services, emphasized that despite the hospital’s email response, a reinspection on March 13 revealed no noticeable compliance efforts. Expressing concern, he asserted, “This is wrong and misleading and hampers the healthcare services provided to patients.”
Following the reinspection, KEM Hospital has been instructed to expedite compliance measures and furnish a detailed report. Additionally, authorities have raised the possibility of sealing the hospital premises and initiating legal action for norm violations.
The alleged violations encompass a range of regulations, including the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act 1949 and Regulations 2021, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021, Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021, Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021, and Bio-Medical Waste Disposal Rules 2016.
In response, Dr. Madhur Rao, senior deputy medical administrator at KEM Hospital, vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He affirmed, “There have been no violations of any provisions of any statutes applicable to the hospital.” Dr. Rao cited the satisfaction expressed by various officials during periodic inspections as evidence of the hospital’s adherence to regulations.
As investigations unfold, the conflicting narratives highlight the complexity surrounding regulatory compliance in healthcare institutions, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining quality healthcare standards.
