Panchkula Mother and Child Hospital still awaits Fire NOC after 3 years
Panchkula Hospital in Limbo Over Fire NOC
Panchkula: The Mother and Child Health Care Hospital building at Civil Hospital, Panchkula, has been waiting nearly three years for a fire safety No-Objection Certificate (NOC). The delay was brought up during a resumed hearing before the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) on Tuesday, following a complaint highlighting infrastructural and service-related deficiencies at the facility.
Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has stepped in after receiving multiple complaints about the dilapidated conditions at the Sector 6 Civil Hospital in Panchkula. The commission has directed the Additional Chief Secretary of Health, Haryana, to appoint a senior officer to investigate the matter. A detailed report is expected before the next hearing. The complaint, filed by SK Nayar, President of the Panchkula Citizens Welfare Association, paints a grim picture of the hospital’s state.
Also Read: Human Rights Panel Takes Action on Poor Conditions at Panchkula Civil Hospital
According to the hospital’s reply to the commission, one major hurdle to the fire NOC—pending since 2022—has been the obstruction caused by seven trees. Hospital authorities stated that administrative and financial approvals for the removal and replantation work have been obtained, and the horticulture division has been tasked with carrying out the job. Fire NOCs for Blocks A, B, C, and D have already been issued after cost estimates were finally submitted in October 2024, reports Hindustan Times.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Mukta Kumar informed the commission that repair and beautification work is currently underway on the hospital premises, following directions from the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). A proposal for landscaping and green development has also been submitted to the horticulture department.
A separate issue that surfaced during the hearing was the disruption of services for Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries—particularly heart patients—due to pending insurance claim reimbursements amounting to ₹1.09 crore. Hospital officials assured that payments will be processed promptly once funds are released by the state government.
The issue of inadequate parking facilities was also raised during the hearing. Hospital officials stated that a proposal for a multi-level parking facility is currently under review by the DGHS. In addition, funds totalling ₹63.89 lakh have been sanctioned for the construction of a boundary wall, and road repair work worth ₹86.73 lakh has been approved.
According to Hindustan Times, the PWD also informed the commission that special repairs amounting to ₹3.91 crore are in progress, with 120 workers on site. These include tiling, painting, waterproofing, and rainwater harvesting, and are expected to be completed by September 15.
The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on November 11.
