Meditrina Hospital Declared Unsafe in Nagpur, Immediate Evacuation Ordered by Authorities; Hospital Refuted Claim

Nagpur: Meditrina Hospital in Nagpur has been declared highly unsafe by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) Fire Department, leading to an immediate evacuation order. However, the hospital administration has strongly refuted these claims, calling them politically motivated. This controversy has sparked widespread debate over safety regulations, compliance, and potential political interference.

Background of Meditrina Hospital

Meditrina Hospital, located in Ramdaspeth, has been operating for over 13 years. Despite its reputation, authorities claim the hospital has been functioning without a mandatory Fire Compliance Certificate, putting patients and staff at significant risk.

Fire Safety Concerns and Official Orders

Lack of Fire Safety Compliance

• The hospital has reportedly failed to implement essential fire prevention and life safety measures.
• Despite several warnings, the required systems were not installed, leading to the latest order.

Previous Warnings and Deadlines

• On February 2, 2025, NMC’s Health Department warned the hospital about registration cancellation if it failed to obtain a Fire Compliance Certificate within a month.
• On February 18, 2025, the Fire Department issued a letter declaring the hospital unsafe and ordering immediate evacuation.

Allegations Against Meditrina Hospital

Complaints from Local Authorities

• Vikas Thakre, MLA from West Nagpur, filed a complaint on January 1, 2025, highlighting fire safety violations and irregularities.
• The Fire Department responded on January 9, 2025, issuing a formal notice for compliance.
• Reports suggest the hospital lacks 29 crucial fire safety measures.

Structural and Safety Violations

• Unauthorized construction restricts access for fire tenders.
• Oxygen plant positioning adds fire hazards.
• The terrace houses an illegal kitchen and storeroom.
• Basement parking is misused for generators and equipment storage.

Political and Legal Implications

MLA Vikas Thakre’s Continued Efforts

• Thakre had previously sought hospital registration cancellation in December 2020.
• He later lodged another complaint against NMC officials, leading to a February 12, 2025 meeting with Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Legal Cases Against the Hospital Director

Dr. Sameer Paltewar, Meditrina Hospital’s director, faces multiple FIRs:

• January 22, 2019 – Rs 3 crore fraud under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.
• January 20, 2021 & February 20, 2021 – Billing discrepancies and financial irregularities.
• December 14, 2024 – FIR for obstructing hospital entry by locking doors.

Hospital’s Response: Refuting the Claims

Meditrina Hospital strongly denies all allegations, calling them politically motivated and legally baseless.

Official Statement from Meditrina Hospital

• The hospital claims it has a valid Fire NoC since 2010 and has regularly submitted B-Forms since 2018.
• It has photographic evidence of functioning firefighting systems.
• The hospital alleges that political interference and media reports aim to tarnish its reputation.
• Mock fire drills have been conducted with participation from NMC fire officials.

Hospital Demands Retraction of Orders

• Meditrina Hospital has formally requested the withdrawal of the February 15, 2025 evacuation order.
• The administration awaits official confirmation of order cancellation.

Public and Patient Reactions

• Patients and their families express concern over sudden evacuation.
• Many demand transparency from authorities regarding hospital safety.
• Some support the hospital, believing it is being unfairly targeted.

What Happens Next?

• Authorities may conduct further inspections to verify claims from both sides.
• Legal proceedings could determine the hospital’s fate.
• Public pressure may influence the final decision.

The Meditrina Hospital controversy raises essential questions about fire safety regulations, hospital accountability, and potential political bias. While authorities insist evacuation was necessary, the hospital firmly refutes all allegations. Whether this case is about genuine safety concerns or political maneuvering remains a heated debate.

1. Why was Meditrina Hospital declared unsafe?

Authorities claim it lacks 29 fire safety measures and has unauthorized constructions restricting fire access.

2. Has Meditrina Hospital ever had a Fire NoC?

The hospital asserts it has had a valid Fire NoC since 2010, with regular compliance reports.

3. What legal actions have been taken against the hospital director?

Dr. Sameer Paltewar faces multiple FIRs, including fraud, financial irregularities, and obstruction of hospital entry.

4. What will happen to the hospital now?

Further inspections, legal battles, and public opinion may influence the final decision on hospital operations.

5. How have patients reacted to the evacuation?

Some express concern over disrupted medical services, while others demand transparency in the decision.