Ahmedabad: The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) plans to file a defamation case against the owners of a recently inaugurated hospital for unauthorized use of Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal’s name on invitation cards. The hospital was sealed shortly after its opening due to inadequate fire safety measures and other violations.
The owners allegedly listed Commissioner Shalini Agrawal as the chief guest on the invitation card without her consent. Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut and Joint Commissioner of Police Raghvendra Vats were also named as guests of honor. However, the authorities swiftly uncovered the discrepancies, including the absence of a fire department NOC, biomedical waste disposal documents, and a valid medical registration certificate, leading to the hospital’s closure.
SMC Udhna Zone Chief Gajendra Chauhan, after verifying the misuse, submitted an application to Surat Police for criminal proceedings. However, police officials advised that the case did not meet the criteria for criminal charges and suggested pursuing a defamation case instead.
Pandesara Police Inspector H.M. Gadhvi stated, “Based on legal advice and instructions from senior officials, no criminal charges can be applied. Filing a defamation case is the appropriate course of action.” Chauhan confirmed that a defamation case will be filed after obtaining formal approval from the Municipal Commissioner.
The hospital, Janseva Multispeciality Hospital, located in Karmayogi Society, Pandesara, was found to have been set up by two individuals with prior criminal records for operating without a valid license. Despite ongoing investigations, they opened the two-storey facility, which was sealed shortly after its inauguration.
Chief District Health Officer Dr. Anil Patel visited the premises and demanded that the owners produce valid medical degree certificates within five days. A notice will be posted at the hospital if they fail to comply, warning of strict action. Dr. Patel stated, “We will verify the certificates upon receipt and take necessary action if they fail to provide them.”
Authorities discovered that the hospital was a partnership of four individuals, including three doctors and a retired police sub-inspector. Despite their history of legal violations, the owners proceeded with the facility’s launch, ignoring mandatory regulatory requirements.
