The State Government has issued instructions for strict monitoring and necessary crackdown on the brokers diverting patients to private clinics and hospitals in outpatient departments (OPDs) of Government hospitals
Health Secretary ShaliniPandit has asked the authorities of the medical and health institutions to be alert over unwanted elements operating in the premises of Government healthcare institutions.
In a letter, she has pointed out that it has come to notice that some unwanted elements are operating in the premises of high caseload Government hospitals in the guise of helping the patients coming from far-flung areas to locate the OPDs.They demand money from the patients’ families with the false assurance of free treatment in private hospitals/ clinics.
These elements are often persuading patients to seek treatment in private clinics on the false information that there is no proper medical facility available at Government hospitals.
Pandit has asked the authorities to alert all faculties, treating doctors, paramedics and other staffs 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 in-charge of the local police station may be promptly intimated about the matter for detention of such elements and initiation of appropriate legal action against them.
In case any faculty, treating doctor, paramedic and other staff of Government hospitals is found operating in connivance with such elements and or aiding and abetting them, necessary administrative actions may be initiated against them under the CCA Rules apart from appropriate legal action.
“Further, you are requested to take immediate steps to put in place proper signboards in Odia and English from the point of entrance to the hospital, giving clear directions/ route chart to the location of various OP 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 Health Secretary has written in her letter, adding that this may be treated as “Most Urgent” anddeviation, if any, in this regard shall be viewed adversely by the Health Department.