Dimapur, July 30 (MExN): Registration under the Nagaland Health Care Establishments Act, 1997 (NHCEA, 1997) has been made mandatory for all private hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, dental clinics, pharmacies with attached doctors, and AYUSH health centres operating in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Niuland districts.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer, District Health Authority, Dimapur, through a notice on Thursday, directed all existing healthcare establishments to apply for renewal of their registration or license at least six months before the expiry date to ensure uninterrupted validity and compliance with the provisions of the Act.
The CMO further clarified that no hospital, nursing home, clinic, dental clinic, pharmacy engaging a doctor for consultation, or AYUSH health centre shall commence operations without first obtaining valid registration/license from the competent authority under the NHCEA, 1997. Pharmacies engaging doctors for consultation are deemed to be functioning as clinics and are therefore required to obtain registration under the provisions of the Act, it added.
Stressing the importance of patient safety, quality healthcare and legal compliance, the CMO urged all owners and managements to strictly comply with the provisions of the Act. Non-compliance, the notice said, will invite action as per the Act and the rules framed thereunder.
For registration, renewal, or clarification, applicants may contact the CMO office during working hours or obtain prescribed forms from the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland.
