Dehradun: Dehradun-based Pandit Deen Dayal Updhadhyay Coronation Hospital , on Wednesday, banned the use of mobile phones for personal use by both doctors and staff during office hours.

In a written order, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) of the government-run Coronation Hospital, BC Ramola, said that the both — doctors and the staff — were found to be using cell phones for surfing social media during an inspection.

“Patients complain that they do not get proper care as the doctors remain busy on social media which ultimately damages the image of the hospital/state government and even impacts mental health,” the order read.

Ramola added that the social media activities of the staff can be monitored and if one is found using phones it will be reflected in their service books. “Activities of any person can be traced through various methods. Warnings have also been issued to many, and their phone records have also been inspected” he wrote.

The order further threatened that salaries of the person found surfing social media can also be deducted if they do not follow the orders.

"The allegation that doctors use mobiles during office hours is baseless. Like any other government hospital, we too, are functioning way above the capacity and the doctors do not even have enough time. But if an order has been issued we don't have any issue with that," said a senior doctor of the hopsital, on request of anonymity.