Health Ministry Slaps SCN to CMHO Over Hospital Registration Irregularities

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The Directorate of Health Services has sent a show-cause notice to Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr BS Saitya regarding alleged irregularities and irregularities in the records of New ANS Hospital in Rau.

The notification was issued following complaints filed by Omkar Nath through the Madhya Pradesh Lokayukta, citing errors in the verification process and potential document forgery. In the notice, hospital owner Dr. Anirudh Richhariya allegedly submitted forged documents, including a Pollution Control Board certificate containing signatures and serial numbers from other organisations.

In a case of gross negligence, Dr Saitya allegedly proceeded with the registration process of the hospital despite the obligation to verify documents such as Fire NOC and Gumasta License. Complaints at Jansunvai were reportedly ignored and warnings to the hospital for non-compliance in early 2024 were ignored.

Although the last warning in March required original documentation to be submitted within a month under the amended Nursing Homes and Geriatric Institutions Act, no action was taken until the April deadline, allowing the hospital to operate without the necessary regulatory approval.

The Directorate stated that these violations violated the provisions of the Civil Services Code of Conduct, 1965, and amounted to misconduct due to inadequate administrative oversight. Dr Saitya was directed to respond within three days through the Regional Director of Health Services. Failure to provide an explanation may lead to disciplinary action under the Madhya Pradesh Service Rules.

Meanwhile, Dr Saitya stated that he was not aware of any notification and denied receiving it.