250 Facilities to Receive Show-Cause Notices; Strict Action Against Quacks Warned
Hyderabad: In a major regulatory drive, district collectorates have identified at least 250 private hospitals operating without mandatory registration across Hyderabad district. Authorities confirmed that these facilities will soon receive show-cause notices for violating healthcare norms.
Out of the total, 224 hospitals are located in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, while 26 are situated in Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Officials have reiterated that prior registration is compulsory before establishing any healthcare facility, and non-compliance amounts to a serious violation of rules.
During the verification process, authorities also flagged hospitals that hired doctors and staff without officially informing the administration. The survey, initiated around six months ago, aimed to curb quackery and identify unregistered healthcare establishments operating in the city.
According to estimates, nearly 4,000 private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and clinics are functioning across Hyderabad, making regulatory monitoring a significant administrative challenge. The large number of facilities has prompted intensified inspections by health officials.
Hyderabad District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr J Venkati stated that qualified professionals are expected to be aware of legal requirements. He confirmed that show-cause notices will be issued, and facilities may be asked to temporarily shut down until all required documents are submitted and proper registration is completed.
Health authorities have also warned of strict consequences in cases involving unqualified practitioners. Officials from the Medchal-Malkajgiri DMHO office stated that if the survey reveals that unqualified individuals are running hospitals, those facilities will be sealed immediately and FIRs will be registered against the offenders.
After the District Medical and Health Officer completes district-level action, the Telangana Medical Council (TGMC) will step in to impose penalties as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines. Hospitals will be given three days to submit explanations before further action is taken.
Dr Gundagani Srinivas, chairman of TGMC’s public relations committee, said fines may range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh depending on the severity of violations. Over the past few years, TGMC has filed hundreds of FIRs against quacks accused of endangering lives. Meanwhile, verification drives continue as authorities scrutinise medical certificates and licence registrations to prevent malpractice and protect patient safety.
