Srinagar, Apr 23: A private hospital was sealed by the Government here following complaints of illegal abortions in the healthcare institution.
Official sources said a team headed by Chief Medical Officer Srinagar locked Ratan Rani Hospital at Khralkhud here on April 20. They said the hospital, functioning from a rented building, was closed after Department of Health received complaints of illegal abortions in the hospital.
 “The department launched an enquiry into this issue. Besides, the registration of the hospital had also expired, they were functioning in an illegal manner. So we have shut it,” said Assistant Director Health, Kashmir, Dr Maqsooda.
 Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman maintained that several complaints were received about its functioning and the hospital was unregistered.
 “We have been asking them to apply for registration. But they didn’t even apply. There were complaints of abortion, so we sealed it,” said Dr Saleem.
 However, sources said police have not lodged FIR against the hospital owner. The hospital established in 1942 was run by one Jagat Mohini earlier. After her death in 2009, her son Ashok Thussu looked over its affairs.
 Dr Maqsooda said the hospital owners were informed about registration process through several communiqués. “We appraised them through letters to register their hospital. They didn’t respond and worked illegally,” she said.
 However, Chief Medical Officer Srinagar Dr Mehraj-ud-din, who locked the hospital, declined his office received any complaint.
 “We haven’t received any complaint of abortion against the hospital. But private clinics are under scanner following decline in sex ratio. We have received orders from Health Ministry to check this trend,” Mehraj told Greater Kashmir adding ‘I am going to start this drive from Monday.’

Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Apr 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Apr 2011 00:00:00 IST