Siliguri, Sept. 20 -- A series of inspections conducted by the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Regulatory Commission (WBCERC) at private hospitals and nursing homes in Siliguri over the last two days brought to light several irregularities, prompting the commission to warn of strict action against establishments failing to address the issues.
The team, led by WBCERC chairman and retired Calcutta High Court judge Biswajit Basu, comprises physician Dr Narayan Bandopadhyay, Darjeeling Chief Medical Officer of Health Tulsi Pramanik, Jalpaiguri Chief Medical Officer of Health Jagannath Sarkar and others. During the inspections, several unused ambulances were also removed from one of the nursing homes.
The inspection team reportedly found patients waiting for consultations in congested spaces, including basements and storage areas, where basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets were unavailable. Various electrical appliances and other equipment were also found nearby, prompting officials to call the fire department for an assessment. Representatives of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation were also called.
Chairman Basu expressed concern over the operation of nursing homes with a large number of beds in buildings with limited space. The commission also raised questions regarding medical registration details. In one instance, a doctor was unable to produce registration documents immediately when asked. Officials further observed that registration numbers were missing from several doctors' chambers and signboards. The commission has sought explanations from the nursing homes.
"There are many problems that have been identified. They have assured us that they will resolve these issues quickly. Otherwise, legal action will be taken as required," said Basu. He added that a specific deadline had been given to hospital authorities to address the shortcomings.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.