Hyderabad: A survey conducted by the district collector’s offices has identified at least 250 private hospitals in Hyderabad district that are set to receive a show-cause notice for operating without mandatory registration. Of these, 224 facilities are located in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, while 26 are in the Medchal-Malkajgiri district.
Authorities have made it clear that registration is compulsory before starting any healthcare facility, and hospitals operating without prior approval are in violation of norms. Hospitals that have employed doctors or other staff without informing the authorities have also been flagged during the verification process.
According to a report by The Times of India, the survey was initiated by the district collectorates around six months ago to identify quackery and unregistered healthcare facilities. Officials estimate that there are nearly 4,000 private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres and clinics functioning across the city, making regulatory oversight a major administrative task.
Speaking to TOI, Hyderabad District Medical and Health Officer Dr J Venkati said, “Since these are qualified professionals, they are expected to be aware of the rules. A show-cause notice will be served, and they will be asked to temporarily close the facility until all required documents are submitted and registration is completed.”
Health authorities have also warned of strict consequences in cases involving unqualified practitioners. A senior doctor from the Medchal-Malkajgiri DMHO told TOI, “If the survey reveals that unqualified persons are running hospitals, the facilities will be closed immediately. We will report such cases to the Telangana Medical Council, and FIRs will be registered against the quacks.”
The hospital will be given three days to submit its explanation as per the notice. After the District Medical and Health Officer completes action at the district level, the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) will step in to impose penalties as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.
Dr Gundagani Srinivas, chairman of the public relations committee of TGMC, said, “We are awaiting detailed information from the DMHO. Once the DMHO initiates action, we will be informed to take further steps. Hospitals will be fined accordingly, ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the nature of the violation of NMC norms.”
Over the past few years, TGMC has filed hundreds of FIRs against quacks accused of endangering lives. Meanwhile, health department officials are continuing verification drives to identify individuals posing as doctors by scrutinising medical certificates and licence registrations.
