A recent inspection drive by the Rajasthan health department has revealed a staggering level of non-compliance with central government directives. The checks, conducted in November, found that a massive 82% of state-run hospitals and health institutes are not using biometric systems to mark staff attendance.
Widespread Disregard for Central Directives
This widespread neglect persists despite repeated orders from the Union government mandating the enforcement of biometric attendance in all healthcare facilities. The failure to implement this basic monitoring system raises serious questions about accountability and discipline within the public health infrastructure.
Showcause Notices and Minister's Stern Warning
The issue came into sharp focus this week when a health department team inspected facilities in Sikar district on Tuesday. The team promptly issued showcause notices to five healthcare workers for being absent from duty.
Responding to the alarming findings, Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar issued a stern warning on Thursday. He declared that strict monitoring of services in hospitals affiliated with medical colleges will be enforced. Principals of medical colleges and superintendents of affiliated hospitals will now face regular performance assessments.
"They will be held directly responsible for not meeting standards and for any shortcomings in health services, and action will be taken against them," Khimsar stated unequivocally during a review meeting of the medical education department.
Zero Tolerance for Negligence and New Initiatives
The minister emphasized that there is no room for negligence at any level in matters of public health. He gave clear directives that if any service is affected due to a shortage of doctors or staff, authorities must be informed immediately. No health service should be disrupted due to a lack of human resources.
In a significant move aimed at patient welfare, Khimsar also called for establishing food courts within hospital premises. This initiative is designed to ensure that patients and their attendants get access to quality food at reasonable rates. He directed officials to identify sites for this purpose in all hospitals and start the establishment process soon.
The combined actions—cracking down on absenteeism while improving patient amenities—signal a push towards greater accountability and patient-centric care in Rajasthan's government healthcare system.
