Uttar Pradesh: Crackdown on Private Hospitals Amid Complaints

The Uttar Pradesh government has cancelled the licenses of 178 private hospitals due to complaints, with 59 reinstated after hearings. A significant number of hospitals face FIRs, seizures, and notices for norm violations. No current policy regulates private consultation fees and test costs.

The Uttar Pradesh government has taken significant action against private hospitals following numerous public complaints. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced on Monday that the licenses of 178 private hospitals were revoked, acknowledging that 59 have since been reinstated following formal hearings.

The crackdown comes in response to approximately 500 complaints received against these healthcare facilities. Pathak detailed that 281 FIRs have been filed, and 533 hospitals have been 'seized' for operational violations. In addition, the state has issued notices to 1,542 hospitals, mandating improvements.

Addressing concerns about excessive billing, Pathak noted that the state lacks a policy to standardize fees for consultations and medical tests in private hospitals. However, under schemes like the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, patients can access free treatments within government hospitals, offering some relief amid regulatory challenges.

(With inputs from agencies.)