86% of hospitals in Bhubaneswar running sans valid registration

Bhubaneswar: As hospitals are under scanner following SUM Hospital fire mishap more and more establishments are found to be operating without valid registration. In the capital city Bhubaneswar, out of 208 hospitals and nursing homes, as many as 180 are operating with lapsed registration.

The DMET data shows that despite lapse in tenure of registration certificates, many hospitals continue to operate freely. The list of defaulters includes big hospitals like Kaling Hospital. As per data, the 250-bedded Kalinga Hospital’s registration has expired since March this year.

Similarly, another major Hospital Kar Clinic’s registration lapsed in March 18, 2015.

“As per the rules of the act, a hospital cannot be closed. The district authorities have to decide after ensuring that the existing patients are discharged and shifted,” said DMET joint director Umakant Satpathy.

On the other hand, the Health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak has informed that a new law will be enacted for establishments running without proper registration.

“We have made provisions for right to seal hospitals, levy fines up to Rs 50 lakh, 6 months imprisonment amongst others. These will be implemented soon and stringently followed,” the minister said.