The Curious Case of Pune Village Health

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces scrutiny for its contradictory approach in enforcing healthcare regulations in the newly merged villages. While PMC actively implements the Maharashtra Nursing Home Registration Act, 1949 and the 2021 Regulations in these areas, it has delayed action against bogus doctors, raising concerns about patient safety.

In February this year, the PMC launched a single-window system for renewing licenses for nursing homes across the city, which included over 400 healthcare facilities in the newly merged villages. Despite taking action against hospitals for non-compliance with the regulations, the PMC hesitated in pursuing legal cases against unqualified doctors under the Maharashtra Medical Practitioners Act, 1961.

An incident from August highlights the issue, where an assistant health officer directed ward officials to file an FIR against a bogus doctor. However, no action was taken due to a procedural delay as the ward medical officer went on leave. This inaction, reported by the anti-bogus doctor’s cell, leaves patients vulnerable to unqualified medical practitioners. Health activists argue that while the PMC is focused on operational control of healthcare services, regulatory enforcement is lacking. Inconsistent policies in merged villages threaten sustainable healthcare infrastructure and undermine trust in the system. Addressing this imbalance is crucial to ensuring both operational efficiency and patient safety.