Chandigarh, November 5:- The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has approved significantly enhanced penalties for commercial shops and other establishments operating within its campus to curb malpractices and ensure better services for patients and visitors.
The revised penalty framework aims to strengthen accountability, ensure strict compliance with prescribed norms and deter repeated violations, particularly those affecting consumer rights, hygiene, safety and patient convenience.
Sharing details of the initiative, Prof. Vivek Lal, Director, PGIMER, said that patients and their families should feel safe and respected within the hospital premises. He emphasized that all commercial establishments must maintain fair pricing, hygiene and responsible service standards. He stated that violations would not be taken lightly.
The decision follows a review of the existing penalty provisions by a committee constituted by the institute. The committee met on October 16, 2026, under the chairmanship of Pankaj Rai, Deputy Director (Administration), PGIMER, and recommended a substantial increase to ensure effective enforcement.
Rai said that thousands of patients and their attendants depend on shops within the campus for their daily needs and should not have to face overcharging, unsafe products or unhygienic surroundings. He added that the revised penalties would make establishments more accountable and discourage repeated violations.
Under the revised provisions, the penalty for failure to display rate lists and discount information has been increased from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 50,000 per violation. Similarly, overcharging will now attract a fine of Rs. 50,000 instead of Rs. 10,000. The penalty for maintaining unhygienic or dirty premises has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000.
The sale of fake, dirty, damaged or expired products will attract a penalty of Rs. 50,000 per violation and may also result in the suspension or cancellation of the shop's licence.
The revised provisions also cover failure to issue bills, encroachment, improper waste disposal, smoking, fire safety violations and other breaches of prescribed standards.
PGIMER has clarified that serious violations may also invite further legal action, in addition to penalties imposed by the institute. Repeat offenders will face stringent regulatory measures.
The initiative aims to create a more disciplined, hygienic and patient-friendly environment in commercial establishments across the PGIMER campus.
