Showcause notice slapped on IBHAS

The Public Health Department of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) has slapped a showcause notice on the Delhi government's sole mental health hospital --- IBHAS (Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences) in Dilshad Garden for not having "recognition" from the government's Social Welfare Department.

The department on Monday issued notices to 11 illegally-running de-addiction centres in Shahdara (North) Zone for flouting norms. A private facility, Jag Pravesh Hospital, too has been issued the notice.

"The action was taken by the Public Health Department of the Corporation on the directions of Deputy Commissioner, Shahdara (North) Zone, Deepak Shinde. The two hospitals were not registered with Social Welfare Department. Besides, if these centres fail to provide their licenses or recognition from the government, we will be sealing them soon," said a senior EDMC official.

The move has come after the Delhi High Court issued an order dated February 5 and had asked all the three municipal corporations --North, South and East --- to form survey teams to inspect and map de-addiction centres, old age homes etc to ascertain how many of these are operating without authorisation or permission.

"This is an administrative issue which is being handled by the various departments. We will not like to comment on the matter," said Dr Nimesh Desai, director, IBHAS.

The court had earlier pulled up the civic bodies for delaying the constitution of teams for the purpose.