Haryana announces incentives for Govt doctors, free diabetic retinopathy treatment

Chandigarh: In a move to strengthen public healthcare services, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has announced special incentives for doctors, support staff and Ayushman Mitras working at government hospitals that record higher patient footfall. 

According to the news reports, chairing a review meeting of the Health Department at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Tuesday, Saini directed officials to ensure that beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu schemes are encouraged to seek treatment at government healthcare facilities.

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The chief minister approved a Health Department proposal to utilise funds received under the schemes for staff incentives, hospital upgrades, sanitation work and supporting Ayushman Mitras. He also directed officials to expand the number of treatment packages available under Ayushman Bharat in government hospitals.

Saini further announced that diabetic retinopathy treatment would be provided free of cost at government hospitals. The treatment, which can now be provided through injections, will be included in the scheme’s hospital package, with the state government bearing the cost.

The chief minister also ordered immediate filling of vacant posts of doctors, radiologists and cardiologists. In addition to regular recruitment, he directed officials to establish an open recruitment mechanism under which specialist doctors could provide services at government hospitals at locations and for durations of their choice.

The chief minister further proposed engaging retired radiologists at hospitals located near their residences, using National Medical Commission records, with relaxation of age limits wherever required.

Saini said specialist doctors from private hospitals or private practice could be allowed to perform operations in govt hospitals, with payment made on a daily or per-operation basis. “Government doctors handling more patients will also receive incentives. All district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and sub-centres must be brought on a unified online platform for real-time monitoring. From patient registration and diagnostic tests to consultation and medicine dispensing, every service must be digitally recorded,” the CM said, reports Economic Times.

Saini set November 1 as the deadline for opening Amrit Pharmacies in all government hospitals and directed CMsGGAs to monitor hospital functioning and suggest measures for improving healthcare delivery.

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