After 7 deaths in hospital fire, 13 private clinics sealed in Muzaffarpur
Some facilities allegedly failed to produce the necessary documents, while irregularities were detected in the operation of healthcare services at others
Muzaffarpur, Jun 6 (PTI) The administration in Bihar's Muzaffarpur district sealed 13 private nursing homes and healthcare institutions operating in Muzaffarpur for allegedly violating prescribed health and licensing norms, officials said on Saturday.
The development took place after a fire incident on late Wednesday night, which led to the death of seven patients admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in the district.
The action against 13 private medical facilities was taken during a special inspection drive.
“Based on information that numerous hospitals, particularly those near Shree Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), are not operating as per safety standards prescribed by the government, we sealed a private hospital on Friday, and 12 today,” Sub-Divisional Officer (East) Tushar Kumar told reporters.
Three teams comprising a magistrate, police officers, and representatives from the fire services and the civil surgeon's office have been formed for inspection of such hospitals, he added.
Kumar said that the district administration will continue the inspection process and ensure that no hospital operates in violation of established safety norms in Muzaffarpur.
"Healthcare institutions must strictly adhere to prescribed standards and regulations. No compromise with patients’ lives and health will be tolerated,” Muzaffarpur Civil Surgeon Ajay Kumar said.
According to information provided by Muzaffarpur District Public Relations Officer Pramod Kumar, during the inspection, several institutions were found to be non-compliant with mandatory government norms, licensing requirements and provisions related to clinical establishments.
Some facilities failed to produce necessary documents, while irregularities were detected in the operation of healthcare services at others, he added.
Earlier, the registration of the private hospital, where seven ICU patients died in a fire incident, was suspended.
The Civil Surgeon directed the hospital management to submit a factual explanation, along with the necessary records and evidence, within seven days, in this regard, he added.
Three hospital staff members were arrested in connection with the fire incident, Muzaffarpur SP Mohibullah Ansari told reporters on Friday. PTI