Reside at dist HQ or face action, govt doctors told

BENGALURU: From now on, doctors working at Government medical college hospitals have to stay at the headquarters.  Considering recent complaints about non-availability of doctors during emergencies, the state Medical Education department has warned these doctors of disciplinary action if they ignore any emergency cases reported at the hospitals. It insisted they make arrangements to stay at the headquarters where the hospital is located. This is because some doctors commute to their place of work from neighbouring cities.

In a circular, the department has directed the directors of respective medical colleges to ensure that all medical doctors and staff reside at the headquarters. The circular states that it has come to the notice of the department that some staff/doctors commute to the place of work from neighbouring cities/areas. It adds that if the doctors ignore the diktat, the directors of the medical colleges could first issue a warning to them, and initiate disciplinary action if they continue to flout rules.

The department has issued a set of guidelines to medical college hospitals to handle emergency situations.  “Emergency patients like accident victims must be attended to on priority basis. The medical superintendent cannot leave the district without the permission of the additional chief secretary. The hospitals should ensure availability of adequate stretches and wheelchairs in these hospitals,” says the circular.

DIRECTIVES

Director, medical superintendent of medical colleges and head of the department cannot leave the headquarters without permission
If a doctor reports late for night duty, disciplinary action is recommended
Staff and doctors must reside at the headquarters
In case of emergencies, all staff must be given instructions to attend to them on priority