Chandigarh Administration Cracks Down on Clinical Establishments: New Directives Issued at DRA Meeting
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Collector chaired a meeting of the District Registering Authority (DRA), Chandigarh, which was attended by representatives from the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Ministry of Health, Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, Chandigarh Police, and the President of the Indian Medical Association (Chandigarh Branch).
The meeting commenced with the presentation of the Action Taken Report, outlining progress on the resolutions adopted during the previous meeting held on 13th March 2023. Key updates included compliance by private hospitals with the mandatory display of the Charter of Patients’ Rights.
Furthermore, the Medical Superintendent of Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16 (GMSH-16), has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer responsible for assessing penalties in relevant cases.
A brief overview of the implementation status of the Clinical Establishments Act in Chandigarh was also shared. It was apprised that till September 2024, a total of 599 clinical establishments have been registered. Between April 2023 and July 2024, 31 laboratory inspections were conducted, resulting in two rejections due to discrepancies. During this period, penalties were imposed in 22 cases for various forms of non-compliance.
The registration of AYUSH practitioners was discussed at length. It was reiterated that AYUSH practitioners are required to apply afresh for registration exclusively as Ayurvedic clinics, in accordance with the directives issued by the Government of India. It was further clarified that AYUSH-run clinics offering allopathic services shall not be eligible for registration under the Act.
The issue of unauthorized practitioners, including those operating from temporary or tented structures, was also raised. In view of the communication received from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Deputy Commissioner directed district authorities to conduct thorough investigations into such practices and initiate strict action wherever required.
Additionally, a comparative analysis was presented regarding the previous criminal provisions under the Indian Penal Code and the updated Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Attendees were sensitized to the implications for medical professionals, noting that while the punishment for causing death by negligence has been increased to five years for the general public, it remains capped at two years for registered medical practitioners.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of prominently displaying service rate lists, citizen charters, and contact details of grievance officers at the registration counters of all clinical establishments, including clinics and nursing homes. Non-compliance with these directives may attract penalties.
The Authority also deliberated on cases involving delayed registration. It was directed that the concerned parties be informed of the applicable penalties and that their registration be renewed only upon payment of the specified amount.
In closing, the Deputy Commissioner reaffirmed the Administration’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework governing clinical establishments. Emphasis was placed on enhancing accountability, ensuring transparency, and upholding patient safety standards across all healthcare facilities in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
