Chinchwad: Niramaya Hospital, one of the familiar private healthcare institutions in Pimpri-Chinchwad, is once again facing action in connection with a loan recovery dispute. Videos circulated on social media on Wednesday show officials present on the hospital premises, with a sealing process reportedly being carried out under police protection.

The background to the action is a long-standing financial dispute between Niramaya Hospital and LIC Housing Finance. According to earlier reports, the hospital had taken a mortgage loan of around ₹71 crore in 2015 for the construction of a new hospital building.

Hospital director Dr. Kisan Munde had earlier stated that around ₹65 crore had been repaid through instalments by the end of 2022. The management said that financial difficulties later affected repayments and that it disagreed with the subsequent amount being claimed as outstanding by LIC Housing Finance. The matter was therefore taken to court.

After the Debt Recovery Tribunal ruled in favour of LIC Housing Finance, the process of taking possession of the mortgaged property moved ahead. Earlier notices had reportedly asked the hospital to stop admitting new patients, shift existing patients and hand over vacant possession of the property. The hospital management then approached the Bombay High Court seeking relief.

The dispute has raised concerns beyond the financial and legal issues involved. During the earlier phase of proceedings, the hospital management said that around 30 patients were receiving treatment in the ICU, while more than 400 people were employed at the hospital.

A number of social-media users have since expressed support for the hospital. Many have pointed to its years of service in the area and have appealed for a solution that gives the institution time while protecting patients, doctors, nurses and other employees.

At the same time, the action by LIC Housing Finance forms part of a legal loan recovery process, and the final dispute regarding outstanding dues and possession of the property will have to be resolved through the appropriate legal proceedings.

The key concern now is whether the enforcement process can move forward without abruptly disrupting treatment for admitted patients or affecting essential healthcare services. Residents are watching closely to see whether the hospital management, lender and authorities can arrive at a workable solution.