Health Department Cracks Down on Unlicensed Clinics in Siliguri, Over 100 Clinics Identified as Illegally Operating

KalimNews | July 18, 2025 | Siliguri :  In a major crackdown aimed at tackling the rising number of unlicensed healthcare facilities, the Darjeeling district Health Department conducted an extensive inspection drive across Siliguri on Thursday. The operation was launched after receiving numerous complaints from the public regarding the illegal operation of various clinics and healthcare facilities in the city. The drive, led by Nanda Dulal Mukherjee, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) of Darjeeling, began in the Pakurtala More area and extended to several locations, including Sevoke Road, Champasari, Pradhannagar, and Medical More.

The authorities found a number of clinics operating without the necessary licenses, which prompted immediate action. One of the major establishments affected was a pathology clinic located in close proximity to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH), which was sealed for functioning without an official permit. According to sources, the crackdown has exposed over 100 illegal healthcare facilities in Siliguri, including dental clinics, diagnostic centers, general health check-up facilities, and pathology labs.

The inspection drive, conducted under the direct orders of the Chief Health Officer of Darjeeling district, revealed a troubling trend of unlicensed establishments operating in the city. These establishments, which have been found to lack valid licenses and the necessary documentation, were issued show-cause notices during the inspections. The Health Department has given these clinics a one-month deadline to furnish the required paperwork. If they fail to comply with the regulations by the given time frame, strict action, including the sealing of their premises, will be enforced.

This operation is part of a sustained effort to address the growing concern about unauthorized healthcare providers in Siliguri. According to sources within the Health Department, such enforcement drives will continue in the coming days. The authorities are committed to ensuring that healthcare providers in Siliguri adhere to regulatory standards, thereby safeguarding public health and preventing the spread of substandard or unauthorized medical practices.

While officials have remained cautious in their public statements regarding the specifics of the investigation, they have confirmed that this action is just the beginning. The drive was initiated after repeated complaints from residents about the proliferation of illegal healthcare services, which have been operating unchecked for an extended period. The operation underscores the Health Department’s dedication to enforcing transparency, accountability, and safety in the city's rapidly growing healthcare sector.

This crackdown is expected to serve as a stern reminder to all healthcare providers in Siliguri that only those with proper licenses and documentation will be allowed to operate legally. The Health Department’s recent actions reinforce the government’s commitment to ensuring that public health services are reliable, transparent, and accessible to all citizens in the region.