TNIE scrutinizes “missing doctors

Following patient complaints over the lack of physicians in the outpatient (OP) wards, TNIE unexpectedly visited Tenkasi District Government Headquarters Hospital (GHQH) on March 27 and July 3 to provide a detailed report on the suffering of OP patients.

The superintendent and residential medical officer were among almost all of the physicians at GHQH who arrived late for work. While patients waited for treatment, several returned from private practices during duty hours. Patients who had legitimately come to see a psychiatrist were being counseled by a psychology consultant who was also running late for work. Through its stories and social media presence, The New Indian Express has alerted the state administration to several other shortcomings.

Gagandeep Singh Bedi, the health secretary, sent a letter to all district collectors on July 4th, directing them to make sure that physicians are available during duty hours at all state-run health facilities. He also discussed the OP times that physicians working in government, medical colleges, and basic health centers must adhere to.