A major crackdown by the CM Flying Squad, Hisar, on Monday unearthed an illegal hospital operating without licences, qualified doctors or trained staff in Ratia town of Fatehabad district. The surprise raid has sent shockwaves through the network of quack practitioners in the region.

The team, led by Hisar Range incharge Sunaina, raided Sidhu Hospital following a tip-off about unqualified persons treating patients. The 14-bed facility had several admitted patients but was found to be running without any approval from the Health Department. No patient records were maintained and the person examining patients — identified as Joginder —had no medical degree.

“When questioned, Joginder claimed that Dr Naresh Jindal was associated with the hospital,” officials said. However, Dr Jindal denied any connection with the facility. A medical stamp in Joginder’s name was recovered from the premises, adding to the evidence against him.

The raid was conducted in the presence of Health Officers Dr Pranav, Dr Praveen, Drug Inspector Dr Dheeraj Kumar and local police officials. The team also found five untrained staff members — two girls and three boys — working as helpers for meagre monthly wages ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 7,000.

A further search of the premises revealed an unlicensed medical store stocked with a large quantity of medicines. The store had no registered pharmacist and all medicines were sealed on the spot. Officials also confiscated documents and records for verification.

Sunaina said running a hospital without a valid licence, qualified doctors, or trained staff is a criminal offence and strict action has been initiated. “A formal police complaint has been filed and legal proceedings are underway,” she said.

The raid created a stir in Ratia and nearby villages, with several unauthorised clinics reportedly shutting down after news of the operation spread. Locals lauded the move, calling it a much-needed step to protect patients from unqualified practitioners.