Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district administration has imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on a private dental college and hospital in Sullia and another private hospital in Mangaluru for violations of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act and its rules.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the KPME Registration and Grievance Redressal Authority chaired by Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V. The authority ordered the penalties under Section 19(1) of the KPME Act and directed officials to initiate legal action in the two cases.

The action highlights the district administration’s efforts to ensure that private medical establishments comply with the regulations governing their operations and meet the required standards.

Audit ordered for hospitals across the district

During the meeting, the deputy commissioner directed officials to conduct an audit of all hospitals in Dakshina Kannada district to verify compliance with mandatory regulatory requirements.

The audit will examine whether hospitals have obtained the necessary certificates from the Fire and Emergency Services Department and secured licences from the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

Fire safety certification and pollution control clearances are important requirements for healthcare establishments. The proposed district-wide exercise is intended to establish whether hospitals have the required documentation and comply with the applicable regulations.

The direction extends the administration’s scrutiny beyond the two establishments against which penalties have been imposed. Officials will be required to verify the relevant certificates and licences across hospitals in the district.

The administration has also directed that legal action be initiated in the two cases in which violations were identified.

KPME authority reviews compliance

The penalties were imposed under Section 19(1) of the Karnataka Private Medical Establishments Act, which governs private medical establishments in the state.

The KPME Registration and Grievance Redressal Authority is responsible for matters relating to the registration and regulation of private healthcare establishments and the redressal of grievances under the applicable framework.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Darshan H V and attended by officials from the district health administration, medical professionals and other representatives.

The action against the two establishments comes alongside the directive for a comprehensive audit, indicating a broader review of regulatory compliance among hospitals in Dakshina Kannada.

The names of the two hospitals and details of the specific violations were not provided in the information released about the meeting.

Health officials and medical professionals attend meeting

Several officials and medical professionals participated in the meeting, including District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr H R Thimmaiah and Wenlock Hospital Superintendent Dr Shivaprakash.

District Family Welfare Officer Dr Deepa Prabhu, senior paediatrician Dr Shantharam Baliga and Indian Medical Association president Dr Sadananda Poojary were also present.

The other participants included Dr Sandeep Rai, a paediatrician at K S Hegde Medical College Hospital; counsellor Rani Mangala; and advocate Chandrah Has.

The participation of district health officials and medical professionals provided an opportunity to review regulatory issues concerning private medical establishments and the enforcement of applicable requirements.

District administration steps up regulatory oversight

With penalties imposed on two hospitals and an audit ordered across the district, the administration is seeking to strengthen oversight of healthcare establishments in Dakshina Kannada.

The proposed inspections will focus on verifying mandatory fire safety certificates and pollution control licences. The findings could help officials identify establishments that require further scrutiny or corrective action.

The district-wide audit will be an important next step in determining the extent of compliance among hospitals. The administration has also directed legal action in the two cases already identified, reinforcing the requirement for private medical establishments to adhere to the provisions of the KPME Act and its rules.