Two hospitals based out of Navi Mumbai have been penalized one lakh each for violating the COVID protocols and treating COVID-19 patients without permission. The move was made after both the hospitals failed to respond to a show-cause notice.
NVMC makes a strong statement
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) imposed the fine after taking into account the violations made by both these hospitals. Spokesperson of the corporation, Mahendra Konde said Criti Care ICU & Super Speciality Hospital in Airoli and Global 5 Health Care (Kunnure Hospital) in Vashi were issued show-causes notices on September 19th but both failed to respond within the given time.
Taking note of this, NMMC Commissioner Abhijit Bhangar imposed a penalty of Rs 1 lakh each on both the hospitals on Friday. The fine was imposed on the grounds that these hospitals were treating COVID-19 patients without authorization. Citing violation of the Acts and guidelines concerned, the fines have been imposed.
Further steps for the Hospitals
The hospitals have been ordered not to admit any patients hereon and have been directed to treat the currently admitted patients as per protocols and guidelines of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Maharashtra government. The patients will also have to be charged as per the regulations of the state.
Further, both these facilities have been allowed to apply for or permission to treat COVID-19 patients in due course. If the hospitals fail to comply with the rules again, they will have to face action under provisions of the Epidemic Diseases Act and the Maharashtra COVID-19 Regulations, 2020.
This has not been the first time since NMC has taken action against a hospital for violating COVID norms. Earlier, the corporation had shut down a hospital in Vashi for a specific period of time for failing to follow the rules. However, no fine was imposed then.
Source: Free Press Journal
