97 Pune Hospitals Face Scrutiny Over Licence and Safety Violations
In a sweeping regulatory drive, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued show-cause notices to 97 private hospitals and nursing homes for alleged violations of the Bombay Nursing Home Registration Act, 1949, and the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration (Amendment) Rules, 2021. The notices were served after a detailed inspection that began on January 10, revealing multiple instances of non-compliance, including the absence of fire safety clearances, improper staff appointments, and failure to display essential patient rights information. Furthermore, three hospitals operating in Undri, NDA Road, and Karve Road were found to be running without valid nursing home licences, prompting PMC to order an immediate cessation of operations.
PMC officials have granted the hospitals one month to rectify the violations, following which a reinspection will be conducted. “If they fail to comply within the stipulated period, stringent action, including closure orders, will be enforced,” stated Dr Suryakant Devkar, Assistant Health Officer at PMC. The crackdown underscores the critical need for regulatory oversight in private healthcare, where patient safety and ethical medical practices must remain paramount. While the PMC’s action aims to strengthen compliance, hospital administrators have urged authorities to consider operational challenges, particularly in the wake of rising healthcare demands post-pandemic.
Balancing Compliance and Patient Welfare in Urban Healthcare
The widespread violations expose a deeper concern regarding healthcare governance in urban centres like Pune. Private hospitals play a crucial role in addressing the city’s growing medical needs, with nearly 70% of urban healthcare services being provided by non-government facilities. However, ensuring that these facilities operate within legal frameworks is essential to safeguard patient rights. The most common infractions reported include a lack of fire No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), the absence of a grievance redressal system, and failure to appoint medical staff as per regulatory guidelines.
While the PMC’s actions seek to enhance accountability, healthcare experts argue that regulations should be enforced with practical considerations in mind. “Hospital owners face several challenges in meeting compliance deadlines, especially when infrastructure upgrades are required. However, strict action against those operating without registrations is justified,” said Dr Sanjay Patil, National Secretary, Hospital Board of India. Conversely, health activists stress the importance of stringent measures. “No hospital should be allowed to function without proper licences. These regulations exist to protect patients from substandard care,” said Dr Abhijit More, a member of Jan Aarogya Abhiyan.
Sustainability and Healthcare Infrastructure: A Long-Term Perspective
Beyond compliance, the situation raises questions about sustainability in healthcare infrastructure. The increasing number of hospitals failing to meet safety and operational standards highlights gaps in planning and execution. Sustainable healthcare requires not just regulatory enforcement but also proactive measures to help facilities adopt best practices. Fire safety violations, for instance, indicate a lack of investment in sustainable and disaster-resilient infrastructure. Implementing green hospital models—such as energy-efficient buildings, improved waste management, and advanced ventilation systems—could prevent future compliance failures while enhancing patient safety.
Additionally, there is a need for capacity-building initiatives that assist smaller hospitals in meeting regulatory requirements without financial strain. Public-private partnerships, government-backed subsidies, and technology-driven compliance tracking could create a more sustainable ecosystem where patient safety is not compromised due to bureaucratic delays or financial constraints. The push for digital health records and automated compliance monitoring can further strengthen oversight and reduce administrative lapses that often lead to regulatory breaches.
A Wake-Up Call for Urban Health Policy and Governance
The PMC’s action against these hospitals signals a much-needed wake-up call for urban health governance. As Pune continues to expand, ensuring that healthcare facilities keep pace with regulatory advancements is critical. While the immediate focus is on enforcing compliance, long-term reforms must include transparent licensing procedures, periodic audits, and a robust support system for hospitals to adhere to safety norms without operational setbacks.
For residents, the crackdown serves as a reminder of their rights as patients. Access to safe, ethical, and legally compliant medical facilities is fundamental to urban healthcare. Strengthening citizen awareness about hospital regulations, patient rights, and grievance redressal mechanisms will further reinforce accountability in the private healthcare sector. Ultimately, regulatory action must translate into a more structured and sustainable healthcare framework—one that prioritises both patient welfare and systemic efficiency.
