Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has issued a notice to Meditrina Institute of Medical Sciences, a 100-bedded hospital in Ramdaspeth, warning of the cancellation of its registration unless it addresses significant fire safety violations within 30 days. The hospital is required to obtain a Fire Compliance Certificate, demolish unauthorized constructions, and install necessary fire safety systems.
Fire Safety Violations and Irregularities
The hospital has been operating for the past 13 years without the required Fire Compliance Certificate, which is mandated before a hospital can commence its operations. NMC officials have highlighted several violations, including the lack of 29 essential fire safety systems and obstacles that prevent fire tenders from accessing the hospital due to unauthorized constructions. Additionally, the hospital’s kitchen and storeroom are located on the terrace, and basement parking has been repurposed for a generator and other uses. The oxygen plant installation has also been flagged as a potential risk.
Complaint and Investigation
The issue was raised by Vikas Thakre, MLA from West Nagpur and President of the Nagpur District (City) Congress Committee, who filed a complaint after receiving concerns from local residents. Thakre’s complaint, lodged on 01-01-2025, prompted a notice from the Fire Department on 09-01-2025, which outlined the hospital’s non-compliance. In response, the NMC issued a series of notices, including one from the Dharampeth Zone, dated 17-01-2025, to address the violations.
Thakre also escalated the issue by lodging a complaint against NMC officials with Guardian Minister Chandrashekar Bawankule, criticizing their inaction. A meeting was held on 12-02-2025 to discuss the matter.
Previous Legal Issues and Fraud Allegations
This is not the first time Meditrina Hospital has faced legal scrutiny. Dr. Sameer Paltewar, the hospital’s director, has been involved in multiple legal cases, including fraud allegations under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana. The hospital’s director faces four FIRs for fraud, involving forged documents, excess charges, and bogus billing for patients.
- First FIR (22-01-2019): Fraud of Rs 3 crore, overcharging 26 patients under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
- Second FIR (20-01-2021): Fraudulent bills and inflated charges, violating various sections of the IPC and the IT Act.
- Third FIR (20-02-2021): Further charges related to forged documents and false billing.
- Fourth FIR (14-12-2024): Allegations of obstructing patients’ access by closing hospital gates.
Next Steps
The NMC has given the hospital a 30-day ultimatum to rectify its violations. If the hospital fails to meet these requirements, the Indoor Patient Department (IPD) will be shut down, and the hospital’s registration will be revoked. This marks a critical moment for the hospital, as further investigations and potential legal actions loom.
The NMC’s decision underscores the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety protocols in healthcare facilities, particularly those operating without proper certifications and safety measures.
