UP: Now, Doctors to WhatsApp selfies with patients to mark attendance

Addressing a complaint filed against the doctors for unreported leaves and not being on time, the health department directed doctors at community health centres (CHC) and public health centres (PHC) to mark their presence on duty by clicking pictures with patients every day.

The move was taken in this regard after a meeting was held between Agra Divisional Commissioner, Anil Kumar, and health department officers after receiving multiple complaints against the medical professionals posted in CHCs and PHCs. The complaints were regarding doctors’

absenteeism and their late arrival in the health centres.

To investigate the matter, a few sudden inspections were conducted by the chief development officer and the chief medical officer which revealed absenteeism and that the doctors were not present during their duty hours.

After the meeting held, the Agra divisional officer ordered the health department to ensure health professionals' presence on duty. In this light, the health department directed doctors posted in 15 CHCs and 43 PHCs to whatsApp their images with patients so that they can be marked as present. If they fail to do so, they will be considered absent and the salary for that day will not be given. Additionally,  disciplinary action will also be taken against them.

Read Also: Haryana: 161 doctors to be dismissed for Absenteeism

The doctors have further been directed to arrive at their respective health centre by 10 am and run the outpatient department (OPD) till 4 pm every day. Authorities also directed that few doctors need to be on duty in the evening to deal with emergency cases.

The Chief Medical Officer, Mukesh Vats informed TOI, “All the in-charges of CHCs and PHCs and other doctors on duty have been directed to send their selfies with patients to register their attendance. Those who don’t send selfies will be marked as absent. Daily report of absentee doctors and latecomers will be sent to the divisional commissioner, and their salary will be cut.”