The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken stern action against Metro Hospital in Wagholi, issuing a show-cause notice for a series of alleged violations, including breaches of fire safety and pollution control norms. The hospital has been given a deadline of March 31 to rectify the irregularities, failing which it faces the prospect of ceasing operations from April 1.
The notice, issued on March 12, comes in the wake of surprise inspections conducted by PMC officials, revealing a host of deficiencies and non-compliance issues at the hospital premises. Among the identified violations were discrepancies in adherence to the Nursing Home Act and related regulations.
According to PMC health officials, the hospital’s operations were found to be in contravention of various statutory norms during the inspections carried out in the Wagholi and Kesnand areas. Key findings included a lack of compliance with fire safety protocols, failure to adhere to pollution control measures, and non-compliance with biomedical waste disposal regulations.
Additionally, it was observed that the hospital exceeded the approved bed capacity in both the ICU and general ward, while essential administrative protocols such as maintaining a grievance record book and appointing a grievance redressal officer were also found to be lacking. Moreover, crucial information such as treatment tariffs were not visibly displayed as required.
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, PMC’s health officer, emphasized that compliance with the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act 1949 and related regulations is imperative for all healthcare establishments. He underscored that while the hospital possesses a nursing home license, renewal would be contingent upon full compliance with regulatory standards.
In response to the notice, Dr. Mahesh Solanki, the director of Metro Hospital, acknowledged the jurisdictional transition from rural to municipal authority and pledged cooperation with PMC directives. He assured that the necessary steps would be taken to address the identified irregularities, with a commitment to submitting a compliance report to the municipal corporation.
The issuance of the show-cause notice underscores PMC’s commitment to upholding regulatory standards in healthcare facilities within its jurisdiction, prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents.
