Visakhapatnam: In the wake of a recent kidney racket bust at Sri Thirumala Hospital in Pendurthi, the medical and health department personnel have initiated a special drive to identify hospitals and clinics operating without the necessary permissions and registrations. The focus is on ensuring that all healthcare facilities comply with the regulations set by the health department.
The investigation into the kidney racket revealed that Sri Thirumala Hospital was operating without the required permissions and was subsequently sealed by the authorities. Following this incident, the Department of Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) has taken action to identify other unregistered hospitals in the city.
DMHO Dr. P Jagadeeswara Rao stated that so far, two unregistered hospitals have been identified during the drive: Sri Thirumala Hospital in Pendurthi and Vijayasai Hospital in Tagarapuvalasa. The ongoing initiative aims to uncover any other illegal healthcare establishments in the coming days.
According to reports, the district administration had previously seized a private hospital involved in illegal organ trade in 2019. However, due to inadequate follow-up actions, the hospital resumed its operations with a court order. In response, leaders and activists from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have demanded that the registration of hospitals engaged in illegal organ trade be canceled by the district administration.
While most reputed hospitals adhere to the guidelines and regulations, there are instances where some establishments violate the norms and engage in illegal activities, according to medical experts and law enforcement officials.
The current drive by the health department aims to ensure that all hospitals in Visakhapatnam are registered and operate with the necessary permissions to protect the well-being and safety of patients.