Alleged Violation of Nursing Home Act: Metro Hospital Pune gets show cause notice

Pune: In a stern move, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has served a show cause notice to Metro Hospital, located in Wagholi, citing alleged irregularities and violations of the Nursing Home Act.

According to PMC officials, the notice dated March 12th was issued following a surprise visit and inspection that detected multiple inconsistencies. The hospital has been directed to rectify these inconsistencies by March 31, failing which it will face charges and be forced to shut down operations from April 1.
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The PMC’s health officials have initiated a comprehensive inspection drive across hospitals in the recently formed 34 villages within the civic jurisdiction. During the scrutiny of healthcare facilities in the Wagholi and Kesnand areas, Metro Hospital came under the radar for operating despite several irregularities. 
Among the glaring deficiencies observed during the inspection were the hospital’s failure to adhere to fire safety protocols and pollution control measures. Furthermore, it was noted that Metro Hospital had neglected to comply with the Biomedical Waste Rule of 2016, reports the Hindustan Times. Additionally, the number of beds in both the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and general ward exceeded the approved limits. The absence of a grievance record book, the non-appointment of a grievance redressal officer, and the lack of transparency in displaying treatment tariffs were among the numerous problems unearthed during the evaluation, officials revealed.
Dr Bhagwan Pawar, the health officer of PMC, confirmed that the hospital’s operations were scrutinized for compliance with the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act of 1949 and Regulations of 2021, leading to the identification of irregularities. “The hospital has a nursing home license which is due for renewal. The rural authorities have given the nursing home license to the hospital but we won’t give them license renewal without compliance. In case of failure they should stop functioning from next month,” he said. 

In response, Dr Mahesh Solanki, the director of Metro Hospital, acknowledged the hospital’s transition from rural to PMC jurisdiction, citing this shift as a contributing factor to the identified discrepancies, reports The Daily. “We have the nursing license and compliance as per the old local body. However, as per the recommendation of PMC,  the compliance will be done by us. The same report will be submitted to the PMC,” he said.

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