Strict action if patients denied admission: Bengal health dept issues warning to hospitals

The West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a stern warning both private and government-run hospitals in the state and warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against them if they are found denying patients admission.

The advisory issued by the state health department cautioned private hospitals and said they could face licence suspension if they are found denying admission to patients for treatment.

In a notification issued by the health department, it was mentioned that there have been many instances of denial of admission and services by private hospitals and that patients are suffering due to this “lackadaisical attitude”.

“Such denial is an offence under the West Bengal Clinical Establishments (Registration, Regulation and Transparency) Act, 2017 and the West Bengal Clinical Establishment Rules, 2017,” the notification said.

Another warning was also issued for government hospitals. “In spite of these guidelines issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, GoWB, there have been instances of denial of admission and services in some of the hospitals.” the notification mentioned.

“Hence, it is once brought to the notice of all concerned that if any report of denial of admission/services is received against any government hospital, necessary disciplinary action shall be taken against the concerned officer as per the applicable service rule.”

The advisory issued by the State Health Secretary Vivek Kumar has asked medical superintendents of hospitals to ensure the implementation of the order.

The strict warnings have been issued to private and government hospitals after several people had earlier complained that they were denied admission at hospitals.

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