3 doctors at Bihar's LNJP Hospital face action after surprise inspection

Patna: Three doctors at Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan (LNJP) Super Speciality Hospital in Rajvanshinagar have come under scrutiny following a surprise inspection that allegedly uncovered irregularities related to patient care, duty attendance and hospital functioning.

The Health Department has sought explanations from the doctors and directed them to respond within the prescribed time, following which further action will be taken.

The inspection, conducted on July 7, reviewed healthcare services, patient care arrangements and grievances at the government hospital. According to the Health Department, the inquiry found evidence supporting allegations that one of the doctors had referred patients visiting the government hospital to his private clinic for treatment. 

The department stated that such practices amount to a violation of government service rules and medical ethics. A show-cause notice has been issued to the doctor, who has been asked to submit an explanation within one week. Officials said misuse of government hospital services for private practice would not be tolerated. 

During the inspection, another specialist doctor was allegedly found absent from scheduled duty without prior permission. The inquiry reportedly indicated that the doctor was away from the hospital without authorisation and was allegedly attending patients at a private clinic during official working hours. The department has sought an explanation regarding both the unauthorised absence and the alleged private practice.

The inspection also raised concerns regarding patient monitoring in the hospital. A senior hospital official has been issued a show-cause notice after the inquiry allegedly found that regular ward rounds were not being conducted and that important medical details were missing from patients' case records. According to the department, these findings reflected lapses in patient supervision.

According to Patna Press, the Health Minister stated that negligence in patient care, unauthorised absence from duty and referring patients to private clinics would not be tolerated. He reiterated that ensuring discipline, transparency and quality healthcare in government hospitals remains a priority, adding that the department will continue monitoring the functioning of public health institutions across the state.