In a significant move to strengthen Jharkhand's healthcare system, State Health Minister Irfan Ansari declared on Tuesday that he will personally visit and treat patients at every district hospital across the state once every week.
Minister Takes Direct Action
The minister, who is also a qualified allopathy doctor, made this important announcement during his inspection of the outpatients departments at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi. Ansari didn't just inspect facilities but actively treated patients at the medicine OPD, demonstrating his commitment to hands-on healthcare management.
During his comprehensive inspection, the health minister examined the ENT OPD, various laboratories, and other critical facilities at RIMS. He expressed serious concerns about the current state of government healthcare services, particularly highlighting the issue of doctors neglecting their duties at government facilities.
Addressing Systemic Issues
"Many times, it has been observed that doctors at government facilities neglect their duties and are often found absent, while the same doctors continue to practice in private facilities," Minister Ansari stated after completing his inspection. This dual practice severely affects the quality of services in government hospitals, he emphasized.
To tackle these persistent problems, the minister revealed his plan to personally inspect government healthcare centers and treat patients at sadar hospitals. He announced that a new OPD roster will be issued soon to ensure better management of medical services.
Strict Measures Announced
The health department will implement rigorous monitoring systems to track doctors' attendance, punctuality, and quality of service. Patient issues will be resolved on the spot during these inspections, ensuring immediate attention to healthcare concerns.
Minister Ansari issued a strict warning to government doctors who practice simultaneously in private hospitals. He clearly stated that anyone leaving government duty for private practice will not be tolerated. "The government provides them with salaries and respect. However, anyone leaving government duty to practice privately will not be tolerated," the minister asserted.
He gave a clear ultimatum to such doctors: "If they want to practice privately, they must first resign from their jobs. The government will not tolerate such tampering of public rights."
Infrastructure Improvements Underway
During his inspection, the minister reviewed various hospital facilities and issued on-the-spot instructions to ensure that all diagnostic services, including CT scans and MRIs, are immediately restored and functioning properly.
The health minister also shared details about ongoing improvements in healthcare infrastructure. Responding to media reports about ventilator shortages at RIMS, the department has already procured 79 ventilators and is in the process of acquiring 100 more units.
Additionally, the health department plans to procure approximately 200 new ambulances soon to further strengthen the state's emergency medical services and overall healthcare system.
Minister Ansari reiterated that the health department has been taking all necessary steps for the betterment of healthcare in Jharkhand, and his weekly hospital visits represent a significant step toward ensuring accountability and improving medical services for all citizens.
