Government Officials in Bihar Warned Against Negligence
Strong Message from Health Secretary
In a recent online review meeting, Health Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh delivered a clear message to government doctors, hospital administrators, and clerical staff in Bihar regarding the importance of accountability in their roles. Singh stated that those who are not performing their duties must either resign or face stringent action. He emphasized that government service should not be treated as a mere formality.
Accountability in Government Service
“The era of merely passing time in government service is over,” Singh remarked. He insisted that non-performing staff should either be held accountable or asked to step aside to make room for new doctors. Concerns were raised regarding the adherence to duty rosters and biometric attendance, with Singh highlighting significant irregularities in several districts.
Monitoring and Inspections
Singh directed superintendents and in-charge officers to conduct regular rounds and surprise inspections to ensure staff accountability. He also stressed the importance of meticulous monitoring of data uploaded to ‘Bhavya,’ the state’s healthcare monitoring portal. Mismatched or incorrect reporting would lead to strict consequences, and civil surgeons were instructed to guarantee the accuracy and timeliness of the data.
Addressing Alleged Tout Networks
A significant topic of discussion during the meeting was the alleged networks of “touts” operating within health institutions. Complaints have emerged about private ambulance drivers diverting patients from government hospitals to private nursing homes. Singh urged civil surgeons to develop and implement actionable plans to dismantle these networks, emphasizing that decisions must lead to tangible results.
Shortcomings in Health Management Information System
The review also revealed critical deficiencies in the Health Management Information System (HMIS) and duty postings, with many districts showing outdated or poorly updated duty rosters. Singh described this situation as “alarming.”
Concerns Over Clerical Staff Conduct
Singh expressed dissatisfaction with senior clerks, particularly those who have served for extended periods in civil surgeon offices. He noted that clerks were operating the system according to their own preferences, negatively impacting the department’s reputation. An immediate transfer drive was ordered to shift clerks who have been in the same position for too long, starting with the Patna civil surgeon’s office.
Media Accountability and Dignified Handling of Bodies
Addressing the issue of viral images and videos of deceased individuals from hospitals, Singh stated that such incidents harm the department’s image. He directed hospitals to establish media cells, clarify accountability for media-related activities, and ensure dignified handling of bodies.
Ensuring Availability of Medical Equipment
Singh also highlighted the necessity for adequate availability of ambulances and stretchers, underscoring that humane and responsible hospital operations are essential. He instructed civil surgeons, superintendents, and medical officers in charge to utilize their financial authority of up to ₹5 lakh to ensure the availability of sufficient stretchers, wheelchairs, mortuary vans, and ambulances for emergency situations involving deceased individuals.