The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a report from the State Health and Family Welfare Department over the illegal private nursing homes and clinical establishments running in the State.
Acting on a complaint of rights activist Akhand, the commission has directed the Principal Secretary of health to file an action-taken report (ATR) in the matter within six weeks.
The petitioner alleged that about 1,200 private nursing homes and clinical establishments are running illegally in the State due to gross apathy and indifference of the health department and the district administration.
Out of nearly 1500 private nursing homes and other clinical establishments operating in the State, sources said, as many as 1200 clinics have been running without any valid registration.
The State Government had made a mandatory provision for registration of all private nursing homes, maternity homes, clinical laboratories and physical therapy units under the Odisha Clinical Establishment (Control and Regulation) Act.
As per the procedure, a private clinic will be registered after its credentials are verified by empowered committee of the State health department.
The concerned clinic is also provided with a certificate for a specific duration after which it has to apply for renewal of its certificate to the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO).
But of most of the clinics failed to follow the procedure under the Act and have been operating their clinics illegally in the State, alleged Akhand in his petition.