Deadline nears: TN yet to register all hosps and implement guidelines

Stating that steps are only now being taken to create the software for registration, enrolment, payment of fees and the like, TNMC president Dr K Senthil said, “It will take another three months before the government starts the registration process.”

It may be noted that hearing a case filed by a petitioner against a private hospital in 2014 – accusing it of incorrect treatment and also inadequate infrastructure at its Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – the council was unable to take any action against the hospital as its power was limited to taking action only against individual doctors. As a result, the Madras High Court had directed the TNMC to frame a set of guidelines – as per the requirements of the hospitals – especially with regard to their ICUs.

“We were in the process of doing so. However, within that time, the government brought in the Clinical Establishment Act in June last year. They had specified all requirements within the Act and enclosed rules as well. Therefore, we refrained from coming up with the guidelines to avoid contradicting the Act or deviating from its set requirements. We had written to the State government stating we will take care of that aspect, but the government came up with its own guidelines and infrastructure requirements – which are yet to be implemented,” he said.

As a result, hospitals could continue to get away with malpractices as the guidelines have not yet been implemented, said Neethi R, an activist. “This has been a requirement that should have been met years ago. Today, hospitals too are breeding grounds for corrupt practices and ensuring that there are written rules available – failing which the hospitals could land in trouble – is the need of the hour,” she stressed.

Under the Act, in case of a complaint against a hospital, the District Joint Director will be empowered to decide the course of action against the said hospital. “They are the licensing authority. While hospitals across India are not yet registered under anybody, this will prove to be a start,” added Dr Senthil.