Bhagalpur Health Department Cracks Down on Unlicensed Private Clinics
In a decisive move against the proliferation of unlicensed and unhygienic private healthcare facilities, the Bhagalpur district health department, in coordination with district officials, has imposed substantial fines on six establishments. Each clinic or nursing home has been penalized with a fine of Rs 50,000 for operating without valid licenses and for blatantly violating the provisions of the Bihar Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act.
Targeted Action in Naugachia and Bhagalpur City
Civil Surgeon Dr. Ashok Prasad confirmed on Thursday that five of the penalized clinics are located in the Naugachia subdivision, while one operates within Bhagalpur city itself. The crackdown was initiated a week ago following numerous complaints from residents and authorities. Dr. Prasad revealed that several of these establishments were registered under the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine but were allegedly treating patients with allopathic medicines, often administered by non-MBBS doctors.
"The operation was launched based on specific allegations that these facilities were crossing legal boundaries in their medical practices," stated Dr. Prasad. He emphasized that this is just the beginning of a broader enforcement campaign.
Expanding Investigations Across Subdivisions
The health department has now directed the in-charges of all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) under the Kahalgaon, Bhagalpur, and Naugachia subdivisions to thoroughly investigate similar complaints. Officials are tasked with verifying allegations about the mushrooming of private clinics and healthcare facilities that flout prescribed norms, particularly where specific grievances have been formally received.
Disturbingly, the department has also received complaints from local residents in certain areas about deliveries of newborns being conducted without the presence of qualified gynaecologists or trained medical experts. This highlights serious patient safety concerns that are driving the regulatory action.
District Administration's Directives and Violations Found
Earlier, District Magistrate Nawal Kishor Chaudhary had issued clear instructions to the Civil Surgeon to take stringent action against private clinics, nursing homes, pathology labs, and X-ray centers found violating standard medical practices and the provisions of the Bihar Clinical Establishments Act.
Dr. Prasad elaborated on the specific violations discovered during inspections: "The Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, along with all subsequent amendments, were being completely ignored at all the penalized clinics and nursing homes. Basic operational norms were violated at most locations, with serious lapses detected including the absence of qualified medical experts and properly trained staff. In many instances, even mandatory signboards were missing from these establishments."
Regulatory Framework and Compliance Requirements
A senior health department official clarified the current regulatory landscape. Although the Bihar government, under the amended Act of 2025, has decided to exempt mandatory registration for healthcare facilities with 1 to 40 beds, the operation of private clinics and health centers continues to be strictly governed by the Bihar Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, which was amended in February 2025.
The Act mandates comprehensive compliance with minimum standards across multiple domains:
- Proper infrastructure and fire safety measures
- Employment of qualified medical staff and trained personnel
- Adherence to ethical and operational best practices
- Display of clear, mandatory signboards
- Procurement of a no-objection certificate from the Bihar State Pollution Control Board
Additionally, healthcare facilities must obtain specific authorizations and licenses:
- Biomedical waste management authorization
- Appropriate trade or professional licenses
- Valid pharmacy licenses where applicable
- Approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) for radiology services including X-rays and CT scans
The Bhagalpur health department's actions signal a renewed commitment to enforcing these regulations and protecting public health through systematic monitoring and penalties for non-compliance. Authorities have warned that similar inspections and fines will continue across the district to ensure all healthcare providers meet the mandated standards.
