After AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital cracks a whip on presence of Private hospital, lab touts in its premises

New Delhi:  Days after the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi strictly banned the entry of various kinds of touts and agents of private hospitals, laboratories in its premises, the adjacent Safdarjung hospital has now come out with a similar notice. 

The Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital has released a notice for Unauthorized/unidentified Persons from private establishments exploiting patients in this medical institute.

'' It is observed that some unidentified/unauthorized persons not belonging to this hospital are roaming inside the Safdarjung Hospital campus to seek monetary gain from the patient visiting Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. It is also learned that they are facilitating OPD cards and admissions at Safdarjung Hospital and agents are also offering and diverting patients to laboratories / Radiology centers/Dispensaries. All such unidentified individuals/vendors/agents etc. are strictly barred from Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi,'" the directive, issued by Medical Superintendent B L Sherwal, warns.

''All the doctors, nurses, and staff members are hereby instructed that, even on the slightest suspicion of the presence of any unauthorized/unidentified person in the campus or around the departments/areas of the campus, be immediately reported to the O/o Medical Superintendent on 011-26190763. The security staff shall ensure that all such persons are handed over to the Safdarjung Hospital police outpost for trespassing and exploiting patients. The information may also be shared confidentially to the official email ID msolfice@vmmc-sjh.nic.in. The identity of the staff who reported such unauthorized persons would be kept confidential and appropriate action will be taken to stop the exploitation of the patients.'' mentioned the circular.

'' The Hospital staff needs to wear designated uniforms and display ID cards to enhance security at the workplace and to identify unauthorized or unidentified individuals within the campus. In addition, the staff world, in Operation theatre shall have their names embroidered on their scrubs.'' the circular further reads.

'' Heads of the department are also hereby requested to ensure that, all the waiting Lists are attended which will prevent the patients from falling into the trap of these agents and getting exploited financially. Administration shall provide the necessary support to all Heads of the department as and where necessary which will enable them to complete the waiting lists.'' the circular added.

Just like the AIIMS circular, the Safdarjung circular also holds the doctors, and faculty in charge for the presence of unauthorized persons/agents in the hospital.

'' If any such unauthorized person/agent is found in any part of the Hospital, the respective area in-charges (Senior Resident doctor / Faculty / Nursing officer/others staff/ Security guard) Shall also be held responsible and deemed to be helping these agents/touts and disciplinary action as deemed fit shall be taken.'' the notice strictly added

It is reiterated again that All the Doctors, nursing staff, and staff are hereby being informed to specifically report any such presence/movement of unauthorized agents at hospital premises.

"It is observed that some unidentified/unauthorized persons not belonging to this hospital are roaming inside the campus to seek monetary gain from the patients. All such unidentified individuals are strictly barred from the premises," said the hospital.  

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, also implemented a similar order a few days back, passing certain directions to prevent the touts and middlemen of private firms from entering the hospital premises. Dr. M Srinivas, the AIIMS director, observed, "It is observed that some unidentified / unauthorised individuals belonging to certain private companies/hospitals, etc., enter the campus to seek monetary gain from the patients visiting the hospital. It is also learnt that they are facilitating OPD cards and admissions at AIIMS." 

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