RABINARAYAN JENA, OP
Bhubaneswar: Around 78 private hospitals and nursing homes in the state capital are facing the threat of losing their empanelment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme over alleged land-use and building plan violations.
The State Health Assurance Society (SHAS) issued showcause notices to the healthcare institutions following a crackdown by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on illegal constructions under the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act.
The civic body recently served notices to 7,300 illegal structures in the City. In a letter sent to the empanelled hospitals, Ratnakar Sahoo, joint chief executive officer (administration) of SHAS, directed the institutions to submit valid building approval documents within 15 days.
Sahoo noted that several hospitals had submitted building plans approved only for commercial use, while others provided basic architectural layouts. Under current regulations, operating a healthcare facility requires valid authorisation explicitly designating the building for hospital, clinical establishment, or institutional use from competent authorities. SHAS warned that failure to submit the required documentation and clarification within the stipulated timeframe would result in appropriate disciplinary action, including potential de-empanelment under Ayushman Bharat directives.
The notification applies to hospitals listed under both the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the state’s Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana. The enforcement push follows heightened scrutiny from the Supreme Court regarding urban planning and building safety violations by local authorities.
Hospital administrators expressed concern over the sudden regulatory enforcement, warning it could disrupt essential healthcare services.
“When the state government initially empanelled these hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the ODA Act requirements were not raised,” a private hospital official said on the condition of anonymity.
“Now that the Supreme Court has directed action against the BMC, hospitals are bearing the brunt. If the Health department and BMC do not find a resolution, patient services will be severely affected, and the government will be responsible for the hardship faced by the public,” the official added.