Pune’s Private Hospitals Under Scrutiny as Over 100 Operate Without License
Pune, 6th April 2024: Concerns arise as it emerges that more than a hundred private hospitals in Pune are operating without a valid license, raising questions about regulatory oversight and public safety. The licenses of these hospitals expired on March 31, and despite the renewal deadline passing, they remain unauthorized to provide medical services.
Of the 840 private hospitals within the municipal limits, 410 were due for license renewal by the end of March. However, a mere 268 hospitals availed of the opportunity during the special campaign conducted by the Municipal Health Department from February 22 to March 5. Subsequently, only around 40 hospitals have since renewed their licenses, leaving approximately 100 hospitals operating without proper authorization.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), responsible for regulatory enforcement, imposes nominal fines of Rs 100 per month on hospitals operating without a valid license, with a maximum penalty of Rs 5,000. However, without the authority to shut down non-compliant hospitals, punitive measures appear ineffective in compelling adherence to licensing regulations.
Dr. Bhagwan Pawar, Head of Health at the Municipal Corporation, disclosed that notices are being issued to hospitals with expired licenses, with ward medical officers instructed to take action. A forthcoming campaign will intensify scrutiny to ensure compliance with licensing requirements.
Obtaining certificates from the Fire Brigade and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is mandatory for hospital license renewal. However, the process of acquiring these certificates is time-consuming, contributing to delays in license renewal for many hospitals, as noted by Dr. Sanjay Patil, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India (Pune Branch).
