Siliguri, 19th September: The State Health Commission conducted inspections at several nursing homes in Siliguri on Saturday following complaints of irregularities. The inspection was carried out under the leadership of Health Commission Chairman Biswajit Basu.
During the inspections, Health Commission officials examined the nursing homes’ infrastructure, patient services and fire safety arrangements. Particular attention was given to fire safety systems and the availability of adequate exit arrangements for patients and their relatives during emergencies.
The Commission also flagged discrepancies concerning doctors’ identification and documentation. In several places, doctors’ registration numbers were reportedly not displayed alongside their names. The authorities were advised to clearly display the necessary information about doctors providing treatment to patients.
The cleanliness of the nursing homes also came under scrutiny. According to the Commission, toilets were found to be unclean at some facilities. Officials also expressed dissatisfaction over inadequate arrangements for drinking water for patients and their relatives.
The nursing home authorities were directed to rectify the identified deficiencies at the earliest. The Commission also made it clear that negligence concerning patient safety and services would not be tolerated.
After the inspections, Health Commission Chairman Biswajit Basu said several irregularities had been found and the concerned authorities had been instructed to rectify them. He said necessary steps had been advised regarding fire safety, emergency exits, doctors’ registration details, cleanliness and drinking water facilities.
Basu further said the nursing home authorities had been given time to rectify the shortcomings for now. He warned that stricter action could be taken in the future if the deficiencies were not addressed as per the instructions.
