Kerala: 3 doctors of General Hospital suspended for issuing health cards without checkup

Thiruvananthapuram: Authorities have suspended the Resident Medical Officer (RMO) and two other doctors attached to Thiruvananthapuram General Hospital following an incident where health cards were issued to hotel workers without a medical examination.

The assistant surgeon and RMO in charge was allegedly caught on camera issuing the card after collecting the cost of Rs. 300.

Following the incident, Veena George, the Minister of Health, directed the Director of Health Services to take action against the doctors, reports The New Indian Express. After a departmental investigation, the accused doctors will receive serious punishment if they are proven guilty. A hospital parking employee's contract will also be terminated by the health department for serving as the mediator.

She also warned doctors against giving false health cards and stated that the licences of any such medical professionals will be cancelled if found guilty. Additionally, she requested that district medical officials should confirm the validity of any health cards issued in their respective districts, reports the daily.

“We are planning to introduce digital health cards, which will bear the Aadhaar number of the holder and the name of the certifying doctor,” she said.

As food workers can spread infections, such as viruses and germs, to others, the food safety agency required health cards. Demands for immediate issuance of health cards increased the department set a deadline on February 15 for receiving the cards. Only after a medical examination to confirm that the personnel is free of infectious diseases, wounds, and other health conditions should a doctor issue the card in the format specified on the FSSAI website.

"The health department should give more time to employees to get the health cards lest it pave way for corruption,” said S S Manoj, state president of Kerala Vyapari Vyavasai Ekopana Samithi. Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan said the cards should be withdrawn. He said that this system is not effective as cards are being sold at a price and can be bought by anyone.

Now Health Minister Veena George has instructed the authorities to investigate if the doctors were indeed issuing health cards without conducting the requisite tests, just by accepting money. 

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