Hyderabad: At least 250 private hospitals in Hyderabad district — including 224 in the city and Secunderabad and 26 in Medchal-Malkajgiri — are set to receive show-cause notices from the respective district medical and health officers (DMHOs) for operating without mandatory registration, which is required before starting any healthcare facility.The action follows a survey launched by the district collector’s offices to identify quackery and unregistered hospitals. Officials stated that registration is compulsory before commencing operations, and action is being initiated against facilities that violated the rules. Hospitals employing doctors or staff without notifying the authorities have also been flagged.According to officials, the city has nearly 4,000 private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and clinics. The survey to identify unregistered facilities began around six months ago.“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,” said Hyderabad DMHO Dr J Venkati.Authorities said strict action will be taken if unqualified individuals are found operating hospitals. “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,” said a senior doctor from the Medchal-Malkajgiri DMHO.The notices will give hospitals three days to submit their explanations. Following action by the DMHO, the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) will impose penalties in accordance with National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.Dr Gundagani Srinivas, chairman of the public relations committee, TGMC, said the district registration authority has the power to act against erring hospitals. “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,” he said.Over the past few years, the TGMC has filed hundreds of FIRs against quacks for endangering lives. Meanwhile, health department officials are also in the process of identifying unqualified individuals posing as doctors by verifying their medical certificates and license registrations.
