Patna: The Bihar health department has introduced stricter accountability measures in government hospitals, making biometric attendance and roster-based duty compliance mandatory for doctors and healthcare personnel.
The move comes weeks after the department imposed a ban on private practice by government doctors on April 11. Officials said the latest measures are aimed at improving hospital functioning, ensuring the availability of doctors and strengthening patient care across the state.
Biometric monitoring and SOP compliance
Under the new system, doctors in government hospitals will be monitored through biometric attendance. The department has also directed medical staff to avoid unnecessary referrals and strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Healthcare workers have been instructed to ensure that diagnostic and treatment facilities are provided within hospitals wherever possible. Officials said the objective is to reduce inconvenience to patients and improve the quality of public healthcare services.
Digital monitoring and transparency
The health department has also decided to expand the use of digital systems for monitoring treatment and hospital administration. Patient records will be digitised to improve transparency and streamline service delivery.
The department has reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and negligence, warning of strict action against erring personnel.
Health minister Nishant Kumar has reportedly issued directions to improve hospital administration and ensure better treatment facilities for patients.
Stricter norms for night duty
The department has also tightened rules for doctors assigned to night shifts. Senior doctors will now be required to mark attendance the following morning after completing night duty.
Officials said the measure is intended to ensure that senior doctors remain available for emergency care and that hospitals are not left entirely in the hands of junior staff during critical hours.
Doctors’ association raises demands
Meanwhile, the Bihar Health Services Association (BHASA) has sought talks with the government over a 19-point charter of demands following the ban on private practice by government doctors.
A general convention of doctors was organised at the IMA Hall on Sunday, after which participants held a march from the IMA Hall near Gandhi Maidan to JP Golambar in Patna.
The association has demanded improved security arrangements, vehicle facilities and administrative support for doctors serving in official positions. It has also called for stricter implementation of the Bihar Medical Service Institution and Personnel Protection Acts of 2011 and 2014, along with the deployment of armed security guards in hospitals.
BHASA spokesperson Dr Vinay Kumar said doctors from across the state had urged the government to consider their demands sympathetically
