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Hospitals Slam Pune Civic Body Over Fire NOC Delays
20 Jan
Summary
- Hospitals cite lengthy, document-heavy process for Fire NOC.
- Annual Fire NOC requirement questioned, deviating from once-in-lifetime rule.
- IMA highlights system glitches causing three-month approval delays.
Private hospitals in Pune are encountering considerable bureaucratic challenges in obtaining the mandatory Fire No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). This has led to significant frustration among hospital administrators and members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The core of the issue lies in the perceived excessive documentation and persistent glitches within the PMC's online system, which are reportedly causing delays of up to three months for approvals. This is particularly concerning as these inspections are being conducted concurrently.
Further complicating matters, the IMA points out that hospitals are now being asked to reapply for the Fire NOC annually. This contradicts the Bombay Nursing Home Registration Act, 1949, which mandates the NOC once, with subsequent compliance demonstrated through biannual fire safety audit reports ('B Forms').
Hospital representatives also question the need for repeated submissions of documents like property tax receipts, society NOCs, and floor plans, as these are already verified during the initial registration and renewal processes. The current situation is creating an undue burden on healthcare facilities.
