BAMS, BHMS Manning ICUs at night in Private Hospitals: MP authority threatens license cancellations

Chhindwara: The Chief Medical and Health Officer of Chhindwara District recently issued warning to all the registered private nursing homes/hospitals in the district against employing BAMS/BHMS doctors as RMO or duty doctors.

Advising the private health facilities in the district to only employ MBBS doctors for this purpose, the Chief Medical and Health Officer has warned that violation of these rules may lead to disciplinary action including cancellation of registration.

Such a warning was issued after the CMHO took note of the instances that private nursing homes in the district were employing BAMS/BHMS doctors as RMO or duty doctor and their services were being utilised in all the places like the emergency, ICU ward, general ward etc.

Referring to the complaints received in this regard, the letter mentioned, "Even the emergency medical department has been found to be run by BAMS/BHMS doctors at night, which is indicative of an accident and due to which there is a possibility of death of serious patients coming to your private nursing home/hospital. In this regard, earlier also you have been directed by this office letter K./ Nursing Home/2024/ 8966 Chhindwara dated 23.07.2024, but at present also the above type of complaint is being received."

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Clarifying that services of only MBBS doctors should be utilised as RMO or duty doctor in the private nursing homes, the Chief Medical and Health Officer further warned that private nursing homes or hospitals may face disciplinary action for violating these rules. Even the registration of the private nursing home might get cancelled, warned the Dr. N.K Shastri, the Chief Medical and Health Officer of Chhindwara district.

"If during surprise inspection of your private nursing home / hospital, it is found that you are taking the services of BAMS / BHMS doctors, then disciplinary action will be taken against you under the "Nursing Home Act" and the registration of your private nursing home will be cancelled. For which you yourself will be responsible," stated the letter.

Meanwhile, sharing a copy of the letter, the President of United Doctors' Front (UDF), Dr. Lakshya Mittal highlighted in a recent X (formerly Twitter) post that this problem is not limited to only one district, but such complaints are being received in other parts of the country as well.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Mittal told Medical Dialogues, "The alarming irregularities in Madhya Pradesh involving the engagement of BAMS and BHMS practitioners in roles designated for MBBS doctors have highlighted a systemic issue that threatens the sanctity of the healthcare profession."

"These fraudulent practices, coupled with the potential misuse of medical designations, are not just a local issue but a matter of national concern, posing significant risks to patient safety and undermining public trust in our healthcare system. Instances of unqualified individuals assuming critical medical responsibilities can result in life-threatening consequences, further eroding confidence in the medical community," he added.

Condemning such malpractices, the association has called for immediate intervention from the Central and State Governments adding that "A thorough and transparent investigation is essential to address these discrepancies, ensure accountability, and safeguard the rights of genuinely qualified practitioners."

"It is imperative to implement stringent measures for verifying credentials, enhancing oversight mechanisms, and penalizing those involved in these unethical practices. This is a wake-up call for the healthcare ecosystem to come together and uphold the highest ethical and professional standards," Dr. Mittal further added.

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