UP cancels licences of 178 private hospitals, 281 face cases after 500 complaints

The Uttar Pradesh government has cancelled the licences of 178 private hospitals following more than 500 complaints and subsequent inspections, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak informed the Assembly. Of the cancelled licences, 59 were later restored after appeals and hearings before the competent authority. In addition, cases have been registered against 281 hospitals allegedly found operating in violation of prescribed norms.

Responding to a question in the Assembly, Pathak said the state had taken action after receiving around 500 complaints regarding private healthcare facilities. Apart from cancellations and legal action, authorities also “seized” 533 hospitals during enforcement drives. Notices were issued to 1,542 hospitals directing them to improve compliance with regulatory standards.

The Deputy Chief Minister clarified that after the cancellation of licences, affected hospitals were given the opportunity to appeal before the designated authority. Following hearings, 59 hospitals had their licences reinstated, indicating that due process was followed in the review mechanism.

On the issue of regulating excessive billing by private hospitals and standardising consultation fees and medical test charges, the government stated that there is currently no policy to fix consultation fees of private doctors or impose uniform rates for diagnostic services.

However, the state emphasised that free consultation, medicines and treatment continue to be provided through government hospitals. Beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana are entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh in empanelled government and private hospitals under prescribed packages, while senior citizens above 70 years are covered under the Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana.