Hospital Shut Down for Fire Safety Violations
Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department has declared Meditrina Hospital in Ramdaspeth as highly unsafe, ordering its immediate evacuation on February 18, 2025. The hospital, operating for 13 years, has been functioning without a mandatory Fire Compliance Certificate and lacks essential fire prevention and life safety measures.
Despite repeated notices and ample time provided by the Fire Department, the hospital failed to implement the required fire safety systems.
Key Events Leading to Closure
- January 1, 2025: MLA Vikas Thakre lodged a complaint with NMC, citing safety violations.
- January 9, 2025: Fire Department issued a notice to install fire prevention systems within one month.
- February 12, 2025: Meeting held with Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule to address the hospital’s non-compliance.
- February 18, 2025: Fire Department officially declared the hospital unsafe and ordered evacuation.
Major Fire Safety Violations
- Lack of 29 fire safety measures.
- Unauthorized constructions, including an oxygen plant blocking fire tender access.
- Kitchen and storeroom illegally constructed on the terrace.
- Basement parking used for generators and equipment storage, posing a hazard.
Legal Actions & FIRs Against Hospital Director Dr. Sameer Paltewar
Dr. Sameer Paltewar, founder of Meditrina Hospital, has been embroiled in multiple legal cases, including fraud and financial irregularities.
First FIR (January 22, 2019) – ₹3 Crore Fraud
- Unauthorized charges from 26 patients.
- Fake documents under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
- Charges under IPC Sections 406, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, 120(B), 34.
Second FIR (January 20, 2021) – Fake Billing & Financial Fraud
- Mismatch in patient billing records.
- Charges under IPC Sections 406, 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and IT Act Section 66C.
Third FIR (February 20, 2021) – Fake Documents & Fraud
- Charges under IPC Sections 406, 409, 420, 465, 467, 468, 471, and IT Act Section 66C.
Fourth FIR (December 14, 2024) – Locking Hospital Doors
- Blocked entry for patients and directors.
- Charges under BNS Sections 126(2), 115(2), 352, 3(5).
Hospital Background
- Established: February 19, 2012
- Founder: Dr. Sameer Paltewar
- Structure: G+6 floors
What’s Next?
With the hospital now shut down, the evacuation of patients and staff is underway. Authorities will determine further legal actions against the management for non-compliance and safety violations.
