Mohali: Taking serious note of delays in the freezing of medico-legal reports (MLRs), the civil surgeon of Mohali issued warning notices to all private hospitals and nursing homes in the district, directing strict compliance with govt instructions and guidelines of Punjab and Haryana high court.It came to the notice of the health authorities that certain private healthcare institutions were not adhering to the prescribed timeline for completion and freezing of medico-legal reports on the MedLeaPR portal. As per directions issued by the Govt of Punjab and in compliance with HC guidelines, every medico-legal case registered on the MedLeaPR portal must be completed and frozen within 48 hours of registration. Delay is permissible only in exceptional circumstances where it is medically or legally justified and properly documented on record.The civil surgeon emphasised that medico-legal documentation is a crucial component of criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Any delay in freezing MLRs can adversely affect the administration of justice and may weaken prosecution cases. Non-compliance, the notice said, will be viewed seriously and may lead to reporting the matter to higher authorities and initiation of appropriate administrative action under applicable rules.All private hospitals were directed to ensure immediate registration of every medico-legal case on the MedLeaPR portal, complete and freeze the MLR within 48 hours, upload valid reasons for any unavoidable delay, designate a nodal officer responsible for MedLeaPR compliance, and maintain strict internal monitoring mechanisms to prevent pendency.
