Crackdown ontouts in govt hospitals mooted

The Health & Family Welfare Department has asked all State-run Medical Colleges and Hospitals to act strictly against brokers diverting patients to private clinics and hospitals from Out Patient Departments (OPDs) of Government Hospitals in the State.

IAS Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-Cum Secretary H&FW Dept, in a letter to the Dean & Principal/ Superintendent; all Government Medical College and Hospitals; the Director/Dean & Principal/ Superintendent, VIMSAR, Burla; the Director/Superintendent, PGIMER & Capital Hospital Bhubaneswar; and all CDM & PHOs, has instructed for strict monitoring and a necessary crackdown on brokers indulging in diverting patients to private clinics and hospitals in OPDs of Government Hospitals.

The health department says, “it has come to notice that some unwanted elements are operating in the premises of high case load Government hospitals, in the guise of helping patients coming from far-flung areas to locate the OPDs.

They demand money from the patient’s families with the false assurance of free treatment in private hospitals/ clinics and often allegedly persuade patients to seek treatment in private clinics on the false information that there is no proper medical facility available at the Government hospitals, the letter adds.

“You are, therefore, requested to alert all faculties, treating doctors, paramedics, and other staff of the Government hospitals to exercise strict vigil in the matter and take immediate remedial measures upon noticing any such activity in the premises of -Government hospitals. The station in charge of the local Police Station may be promptly intimated about the matter for the detention of such elements and initiation of appropriate legal action against them,” the letter read.

The health department has further asked the authorities concerned to initiate necessary administrative actions under CCA Rules apart from appropriate legal action in case any faculty, treating doctor, paramedic, and any other staff of the Government hospital is found operating in connivance with such elements and/or aiding and abetting them.

Moreover, it has been instructed to take immediate steps to put in place proper signboards in Odia and English, from the point of entry to the hospital, giving clear directions/route charts to the location of various OPD Departments. The name of the OPD in Odia and English should be displayed in front of each OPD of different treating Departments for knowledge of patients and their relatives, the letter concluded. Pragativadi