Unregistered Private Clinics, Labs in Cachar Face Crackdown; Administration Issues 15-Day Deadline

In a move aimed at ensuring accountability, transparency, and quality standards in the private healthcare sector, the District Administration, Cachar, in coordination with the District Health Society, has issued a stern directive mandating all private health establishments in the district to register under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010. District Health Society urges all private healthcare units to complete registration under the Clinical Establishments Act within 15 days

According to the order, the Act, which came into effect in Assam on December 10, 2015, makes registration compulsory for every clinical establishment operating in the state. Violation of this legal provision will attract hefty penalties ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 5 lakh, depending on the gravity of the offence.

Despite repeated instructions, officials have observed that a number of private hospitals, nursing homes, pathological laboratories, diagnostic centres, and doctors’ chambers continue to function without valid registration — a clear breach of the law.

The order received from the office of the Joint Director of Health Services, Cachar, on Wednesday (October 8) states that all private health establishments, including those operating from residential or commercial premises — such as pharmacies with attached doctor chambers and dental clinics — must immediately comply with the registration requirement.

The directive further clarifies that all practitioners under recognised systems of medicine, including Allopathic (Medical and Dental) and AYUSH disciplines — Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy, Yoga, Naturopathy, and Sowa Rigpa — are bound by the same rule and must register their establishments within 15 days from the issuance of the order.

Joint Director of Health Services, Cachar, Dr Shibananda Roy, stated that the registration process is a necessary step to ensure that all healthcare units meet minimum standards of infrastructure, equipment, and manpower as defined by the Act.

“The initiative is not punitive but reformative. It seeks to protect patient rights and ensure uniform quality healthcare delivery across the district,” Dr Roy added.

Meanwhile, the District Administration and the Health Department have also warned that strict enforcement drives will follow after the deadline, and unregistered establishments found operating beyond the stipulated period will face penal action under the provisions of the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010.

The District Administration, Cachar, has urged all private healthcare providers to cooperate and complete the registration process within the given timeframe to avoid penalties and contribute towards building a transparent and accountable healthcare ecosystem in the district.

This was stated in a press release issued by the Regional Office of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar, Assam.