In response to controversies surrounding the enforcement of norms in private hospitals, the Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Health Department is set to conduct comprehensive inspections across all private hospitals in the city. A dedicated committee, to be established soon, will oversee special inspections to ensure adherence to healthcare regulations.
Addressing Laxity Concerns: PMC Takes Action Following Norm Violations
The move comes after several prominent city hospitals, including Ruby Hall Clinic, Jehangir Hospital, Healing Hand Clinic, KEM Hospital, Global Hospital, and Sahyadri Hospitals, faced show cause notices for alleged violations of norms. Despite being the local body, PMC faced questions regarding its oversight, with highlighted lapses reported by Hindustan Times in previous news reports.
Hindustan Times exposed discrepancies in compliance with Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act 1949, Bio-Medical Waste Disposal Rules 2016, Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act 2021, Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021, and Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act 1994. The PMC, in response to the reports, has decided to form a committee to scrutinize all private hospitals.
Committee Formation and Inspection Plans: A Two-Pronged Approach
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, PMC’s Health Officer, announced the formation of a committee to be led by the deputy health officer within the coming weeks. The committee will conduct thorough inspections of all private hospitals to assess their compliance with healthcare regulations. Dr. Pawar emphasized that while ward medical officers already inspect hospitals every six months, the new committee aims to provide an additional layer of scrutiny.
“The priority will be given to hospitals that have already received notices to determine if they have implemented necessary changes as per the instructions,” stated Dr. Pawar.
With 899 private hospitals and clinics registered under the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act 1949, the PMC is committed to ensuring compliance across various regulations, including infection control, structural audit, fire NOC, and MPCB. Inspections follow both citizen and patient complaints, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining high healthcare standards.
Post-Notice Reassessment and Future Inspections: A Continuing Process
Dr. Radhakishan Pawar, Deputy Director of Health Services, Pune region, provided insights into the ongoing process. Hospitals that received notices have reportedly submitted responses, claiming to have implemented required changes. A follow-up inspection will ascertain the seriousness of these improvements. Dr. Pawar affirmed that the drive’s objective is to ensure patients receive quality healthcare, emphasizing accountability on the part of hospitals.
