Karamsad-Anand Civic Body Imposes Heavy Fines on Two Private Hospitals for Regulatory Violations
In a significant enforcement action, the town planning and estate department of the Karamsad-Anand Municipal Corporation (KAMC) has levied substantial administrative penalties on two private healthcare facilities in Anand. On Tuesday, authorities imposed fines of Rs 1 lakh each on Suvidha Nursing Home and Sanjivani Hospital for allegedly operating without the mandatory Building Use (BU) permission required under municipal regulations.
Surprise Inspections Reveal Documentation Deficiencies
Municipal officials conducted unannounced inspections at both medical establishments as part of a compliance drive. The inspection team visited Suvidha Nursing Home located near Ahimsa Chowk and Sanjivani Hospital situated on Mahavir Marg. During these visits, civic authorities formally requested documentation pertaining to building approvals, sanctioned architectural plans, Building Use permissions, and fire safety No Objection Certificates from hospital management and occupants.
Officials confirmed that neither hospital could produce the necessary permissions from competent authorities during the inspection. The absence of these critical documents constituted a clear violation of municipal building regulations governing commercial and institutional establishments.
Legal Framework and Enforcement Actions
The estate department invoked specific provisions of the Gujarat Provincial Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, to justify the administrative penalties. This legislation empowers municipal corporations to regulate building usage and impose fines for non-compliance with approval requirements.
"The hospital managements have received formal notices directing them to obtain and submit all necessary approvals within a strict 10-day timeframe," confirmed municipal authorities. The notices explicitly state that the premises should not be utilized for hospital operations until all required permissions have been properly secured and verified by the corporation.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance
Civic authorities have issued stern warnings regarding potential escalation of enforcement measures. Failure to comply with the directions within the specified period may trigger further legal action under the municipal act. Such actions could potentially include sealing of the hospital premises to prevent continued operation without proper authorization.
The enforcement drive highlights the Karamsad-Anand Municipal Corporation's increased focus on regulatory compliance within the healthcare sector. This action serves as a reminder to all commercial establishments in the region about the importance of maintaining up-to-date building permissions and adhering to municipal regulations governing property usage.
