KOCHI: Cases were registered against six leading hospitals in Ernakulam by the Legal Metrology Department on Friday for using uncalibrated weighing machines.
The anomalies were detected during inspections carried out by officers of the department and the machines were seized. Checks were carried out in Thrissur, Palakkad and Idukki districts as well and as many as 18 hospitals were pulled up for similar anomalies.
"We had information the hospitals are not calibrating the weighing machines annually with the department," said R Ram Mohan, Deputy Controller of the Central Zone, Legal Metrology Department.
"Inspections were carried out at various hospitals in four districts of central Kerala. In most hospitals, weighing machines were found without calibration done by the Legal Metrology Department. As per norms, the weighing machines have to be calibrated once a year."
Cases have been registered against the errant hospitals under Section 24 of the Legal Metrology Act. When contacted, the spokesperson of one of the city hospitals said the department visit was part of an awareness programme.Association of Health Providers India state president and Aster Medcity CEO Harish Pillai hailed the drive. "We welcome the move by the Legal Metrology Department to ensure due calibration of biomedical equipment in the state. We offer full cooperation. It will improve the overall quality of healthcare and we expect all hospitals to comply with regulatory norms."