AMRI to move court against Mamata govt

The AMRI authorities have decided to move court against Mamata Bannerjee Government for stonewalling its attempt to reopen the Dhakuria unit, shut down after a fire incident claimed 91 lives on December 9, 2011.

The state government had cancelled the licence of Advanced Medicare and Research Institute (AMRI) Hospital after the incident.

The AMRI authorities have been trying to restart operations in the main building and the 50-bed outdoor unit that was not affected in the fire.
The hospital officials said even though they have submitted all the relevant documents sought by the health department, the chief minister, who also holds the
health portfolio, has not given the green signal.

A senior doctor attached with the AMRI Hospital group said: “The management is planning to file a case against the government for stalling its attempt to reopen the two units.

However, a senior executive of the hospital said: “The management will not make any comment at this stage.”

Health taskforce chairman, Subrata Moitra said: “I think the government should consider reopening the units if the management meets all the requirements. Any hospital having requisite infrastructure should be allowed to function, especially at a time when our state does not have adequate healthcare facilities.”

A senior official of the health department said: “The AMRI authorities have submitted all the relevant documents. It is now for the CM to decide on the fate of the hospital.”

All the 13 accused arrested in connection with the fire have been released on bail.