Bhopal Clinics Go Underground As Crackdown Intensifies

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The inspection drive by Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) office against unauthorised clinics entered its second day on Saturday, triggering panic among unlicensed medical establishments. Several clinics in the city remained shut to avoid scrutiny.

Gupta Clinic in Ashoka Garden and Shuddhi Clinic in Platinum Plaza were found closed even before the inspection teams reached.

Locals told health department that Shuddhi Clinic might have shifted operations to another location, prompting a separate inquiry into its whereabouts.

Similar scenes were seen at multiple sites as the inspection teams intensified checks across Bhopal.

The teams verified medical degrees, council registrations, licenses under the MP Hospital and Radiotherapy Establishment Act, Biomedical Waste Management Act and the Gumasta licence of practitioners.

On Friday, four clinics were already shut down after the CMHO team found them flouting norms. CMHO Dr. Prabhakar Tiwari had issued immediate closure notices and recommended legal action.

Departments including the Police, Municipal Corporation, Drug Administration and Pollution Control Board have been roped in to support the crackdown.

Dr. Tiwari said that the drive will continue. "Legal proceedings are underway against all clinics operating without permission. We are also checking for violations like unregistered practitioners or illegal practice of alternative therapies," he said.