Hyderabad Hospitals Face Show-Cause Notices for Lack of Registration
Survey Identifies Unregistered Healthcare Facilities
A survey conducted by the district collector’s offices has revealed that at least 250 private hospitals in Hyderabad district are set to receive show-cause notices for operating without the mandatory registration. Among these, 224 facilities are situated in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, while the remaining 26 are located in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Authorities emphasize that obtaining registration is a prerequisite for initiating any healthcare facility, and operating without prior approval constitutes a violation of established norms.
Verification Process Uncovers Additional Violations
During the verification process, hospitals that have employed doctors or other staff without notifying the authorities have also been flagged. According to a report by The Times of India, this survey was initiated approximately six months ago to identify instances of quackery and unregistered healthcare facilities. Officials estimate that nearly 4,000 private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centers, and clinics currently operate throughout the city, complicating regulatory oversight.
Expert Insights on Regulatory Compliance
Dr. J Venkati, the Hyderabad District Medical and Health Officer, stated, “Since these are qualified professionals, they are expected to be aware of the rules. A show-cause notice will be served, and they will be asked to temporarily close the facility until all required documents are submitted and registration is completed.” Health authorities have warned of stringent consequences for cases involving unqualified practitioners.
Consequences for Unqualified Practitioners
A senior doctor from the Medchal-Malkajgiri District Medical and Health Office reiterated the seriousness of the situation, saying, “If the survey reveals that unqualified persons are running hospitals, the facilities will be closed immediately. We will report such cases to the Telangana Medical Council, and FIRs will be registered against the quacks.”
Next Steps and Penalties
Hospitals will be given three days to respond to the show-cause notice. Following the district-level actions by the District Medical and Health Officer, the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) will impose penalties in accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. Dr. Gundagani Srinivas, chairman of the public relations committee of TGMC, stated, “We are awaiting detailed information from the DMHO. Once the DMHO initiates action, we will be informed to take further steps. Hospitals will be fined accordingly, ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the nature of the violation of NMC norms.”
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Quackery
In recent years, TGMC has filed numerous FIRs against individuals posing as doctors and endangering lives. Health department officials continue verification drives to identify such practitioners by scrutinizing medical certificates and license registrations.