Malda Nursing Home Licence Suspended Over Deficiencies, Regulatory Action Extends to Diagnostic Centre
Health regulators have taken action against two private medical establishments in Malda district, highlighting tighter scrutiny of infrastructure standards and diagnostic accountability in clinical facilities. Authorities suspended the operating licence of a local nursing home after a surprise inspection revealed multiple deficiencies, while a diagnostic centre has been directed to compensate a patient’s family in a separate case linked to alleged shortcomings in medical imaging.
The developments underscore the growing role of oversight bodies in enforcing standards across private healthcare institutions in the district.
Surprise Inspection Finds Infrastructure Gaps
According to district officials, the Additional District Magistrate (Health) conducted an unannounced visit to Gour Seva Sadan and Clinic, a Malda Nursing Home in Malda. During the inspection, several infrastructural shortcomings were reportedly observed. While officials did not publicly detail each deficiency, such inspections typically examine patient safety systems, emergency preparedness, hygiene protocols, equipment standards, and compliance with licensing conditions.
Following the visit, authorities suspended the nursing home’s licence, effectively halting its ability to admit new patients. The facility has been instructed to cease operations until it receives a formal fitness certificate from the district’s Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH). This certification is required to confirm that the institution has rectified identified issues and meets prescribed norms.
In addition to the suspension, regulators imposed a financial penalty of ₹5 lakh. Officials said the measure is meant to reinforce accountability and ensure corrective action is taken seriously.
Appeal Filed, Payment in Instalments Allowed
The Malda Nursing Home management has challenged the compensation amount, appealing before the state’s clinical establishment regulatory authority for relief. While the penalty remains in place, the regulatory body has allowed the facility to pay the amount in monthly instalments of ₹50,000, offering a structured timeline for compliance.
Health administrators said such appeals are part of the due process framework. However, the operational restrictions on the nursing home will remain until the required health department clearance is issued.
Experts note that regulatory commissions are increasingly active in responding to complaints and inspection findings, particularly in districts where private healthcare facilities serve large populations. The objective, officials say, is to balance service availability with patient safety standards.
Diagnostic Centre Directed to Compensate Patient’s Family
In a separate order, the regulatory authority addressed a complaint involving a diagnostic centre in Malda. The centre has been asked to compensate the family of a minor girl after concerns were raised about the accuracy of an ultrasound (USG) examination.
According to case details placed before regulators, the child was initially taken to the diagnostic facility with severe abdominal pain. The ultrasound reportedly did not indicate the condition of her appendix. Subsequently, examination at another medical institution confirmed that the appendix had ruptured, and the patient underwent surgery.
While regulators did not comment on clinical specifics, they concluded that compensation to the family was warranted in the circumstances. The order highlights the responsibility of diagnostic services to maintain accuracy and follow standard protocols, particularly in emergency or high-risk cases.
Strengthening Oversight in Private Healthcare
The twin actions come amid a broader push by authorities to strengthen monitoring of private healthcare establishments. Regulatory inspections often focus on compliance with building safety norms, qualified staffing, biomedical waste management, and functioning medical equipment. Diagnostic centres, meanwhile, are expected to adhere to strict imaging standards and reporting practices.
Health officials say that suspensions and penalties are not only punitive but also corrective, aimed at bringing facilities up to required standards. They stress that regulatory bodies have the mandate to protect patient interests and maintain public trust in healthcare services.
Private medical institutions play a significant role in districts like Malda, where they supplement government hospitals. However, experts point out that gaps in oversight can lead to variations in service quality, making inspections and grievance redress mechanisms crucial.
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What Happens Next
For the suspended nursing home, operations can resume only after rectifying deficiencies and obtaining certification from the district health authority. The instalment-based payment of the imposed compensation will continue as directed. In the diagnostic case, compliance with the compensation order will close the matter unless further legal proceedings are initiated.
Officials say more inspections are likely in the coming months as part of routine monitoring. The recent actions send a signal that adherence to infrastructure norms and diagnostic standards remains a priority for health regulators.
As oversight mechanisms expand, both patients and healthcare providers are expected to see clearer enforcement of rules, with the goal of improving safety, accountability, and service quality across the private healthcare sector.
