LAHAN, July 25: There are around 40 private health institutes in Siraha district that are operating illegally. However, as the regulatory body of the government is keeping mum on the issue, their illegal functioning continues unhindered. 

Due to the inaction of the regulatory bodies, Siraha has seen a drastic rise in illegal private heath institutes of late. For instance, some medical institutes are running two clinics using the same name. Lahan-based Lila Madan Polyclinic and Maternity Home is one such institute.

The polyclinic is currently operating at the Tempo Stand of Lahan-1 and near LMC College without government permit, openly flouting the existing laws. 

According to Umesh Lal Karna, administration chief of the District Public Health Office (DPHO), Siraha, the government has already scrapped the license of the polyclinic, meaning it has been operating illegally, that too at two different locations.

Kamana Nursing Home Pvt Ltd in Lahan-3, Demine Hospital, Friends Model Hospital among other health institutes are also operating illegally, said Dr Nagendra Yadav, chief of the DPHO. The list continues, reaching around 40 polyclinics, nursing homes, medicare centers and hospitals.

Despite operating illegally, many of these health institutes are openly conducting their marketing campaigns, including with the use of loudspeakers in vans and going for radio advertisements. The illegal health institutes have also been distributing pamphlets and sticking posters on walls, among others.

Although the law enforcement agencies and monitoring bodies clearly hear and see such advertisements, they are turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to the issue, Dr Yadav vented his ire. The DPHO said the chief district officer should take initiatives for public welfare. 

“I alone cannot do anything. I cannot stop the illegal operation of health institutes whose license has been revoked,” said Yadav. “We need help from the District Administration Office, without which our hands are tied.”

 
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