J&K Govt directs unregistered private nursing homes to fulfill minimum standards

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has directed the private nursing homes and clinics in the region to adhere to the rules of the Clinical Establishment Act, 2010 and to get themselves registered with the concerned district authority.  

The order, passed by the Health and Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir on 20th June, called out the private nursing homes, polyclinics and other health facilities in J&K for not registering with the concerned District Registering Authorities and for not having the required manpower or facilities as mandated by the law. 

Also Read:J&K: 243 faculty members of GMCs get promotions after Govt approval

It directed the private nursing homes and other health institutions to follow the minimum prescribed standard of facilities and services/human resources/records within 15 days as mandated under the act.  

The District Registering Authorities have been directed to inspect the private clinics and facilities which are under their jurisdiction and to submit the report to the Administrative department within three weeks. 

The order, issued by Bhupinder Kumar, secretary, Health and Medical Education department warned of serious action by the Administrative department if the clinics failed to adhere to the order. The order referred to various sections of the 2010 Act while pointing out the need for private clinics and health facilities to register themselves, and the department had already notified the District Registering Authority regarding the same. 

Speaking to the Greater Kashmir, a health expert stated that these measures are aimed at bringing transparency, accountability, and improved quality to the private healthcare sector, adding that it would help in winning the trust and confidence of the public. 

The Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 regulates all the clinical establishments in India. It mandates all clinical establishments to register themselves and provides a set of standard treatment guidelines for common diseases and conditions. The act requires clinical establishments to display rates of various procedures and services offered, maintain proper records, and adhere to prescribed standards to protect patient rights and interests. It also gives the right to set up councils to grant licenses, conduct inspections, and take action if the clinics fail to adhere to the required standards of treatment. 

Also Read:GMC Baramulla withdraws services of specialist doctors at Urban Training Health Centre