Nepal Medical Council Orders Closure of Maria Hospital for Illegal Operations

Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Council has corresponded to seal 'Maria Hospital' (Maria Health Center Pvt. Ltd.) located in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. The council's on-site inspection found that the hospital was operating illegally without permission and clinical standards. 

During the inspection, the hospital was found to be illegally examining patients through foreign doctors, leading the council to take action. The council informed about this matter by issuing a notice on Thursday. 

Following the public disclosure of the incident, the council has also temporarily suspended the registration of three Chinese doctors involved in medical practice. Furthermore, Nepali doctors who violated the code of conduct by having their names on the board of the illegal institution have been instructed to submit a written clarification within three days. 

Correspondence has already been sent to the District Administration Office and the District Police Range, Kathmandu, to physically close the hospital and take action against its operators, while a detailed report has been sent to the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene to revoke the non-tourist visas and work permits of foreign nationals who violated visa conditions. 

According to the acting registrar of the Nepal Medical Council, Dr. Dipendra Pandey, the council is committed to bringing anyone who plays with public health and acts against the council's code of conduct under strict legal purview. 

The council has also appealed to the general public to report any information or suspicion about health institutions operating without permission or doctors examining patients secretly without registration, with evidence, to the council or local administration immediately. The council has also assured that the confidentiality of the complainant will be fully protected.