35 doctors at HBT Trauma Care Hospital served show-cause notices

Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued show-cause notices to around 35 doctors at Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) Trauma Care Hospital in Jogeshwari over alleged irregularities in recording their biometric attendance, asking them to explain within 48 hours why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them.  

The notices state that failure to respond within the stipulated period, or submission of an explanation deemed unsatisfactory, could result in disciplinary proceedings against the doctors.

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According to the notices, the hospital detected instances of incomplete or irregular biometric attendance. In some cases, doctors allegedly recorded only one biometric punch without a corresponding entry or exit punch. 

“Regular and proper recording of biometric attendance is mandatory for all municipal corporation employees and is an important aspect of maintaining discipline, punctuality and accountability in government service. Failure to record attendance properly, without obtaining prior permission or submitting a satisfactory explanation, amounts to negligence in the discharge of official duties,” the notice states. It further warns that such conduct may amount to “dereliction of duty and misconduct” under the applicable Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) rules and service regulations, reports Hindustan Times.

The action comes amid wider concerns about the availability of senior doctors at civic-run hospitals. Sources at HBT Trauma Care Hospital alleged that some senior doctors report to the hospital primarily to mark their attendance and subsequently leave to attend to private medical practices.

Sources also alleged that junior resident doctors are frequently left to manage hospital operations, including assisting with or, in some instances, conducting surgeries.

A junior doctor said the morning duty hours of some senior doctors often coincide with the timings of their private clinics.

“Since the morning hours often clash with the OPD at their private clinics, they are in a rush. Often, they avoid seeing patients, refer them to their own private clinics or direct them to come some other day,” said a junior doctor.

HBT Trauma Care Hospital dean Dr Chaya Shinde did not confirm the number of doctors who had received notices but acknowledged that the hospital had sought explanations from its staff.

The BMC has also taken note of concerns regarding the absence of senior doctors from its hospitals. Additional municipal commissioner (city) Prajakta Verma-Lavangre said inquiries were being considered and reiterated that doctors are expected to remain available at their hospitals between 9 am and 4 pm.

Speaking to Hindustan Times, Verma-Lavangre said, “They are subject to conduct rules, like all of us, and are expected to do their duty diligently. A due course of inquiry and prima facie review will happen. While HBT Trauma Care has more contractual staff and subject consultants, if there is a persistent issue, then we will take action against them. A message has clearly been given that this behaviour will not be normalised.”

The additional municipal commissioner also said the deans of BMC hospitals had been instructed to ensure that doctors and other staff remained available at their respective hospitals.

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