Posted By :  Admin1

The Karnataka government has implemented stringent regulations to prevent government doctors from engaging in private practice during official working hours. Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil announced that doctors are now required to be present in their respective hospitals from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., an extension from the previous 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. schedule. This change aims to ensure that patients receive timely medical attention in public healthcare facilities. 

To monitor compliance, a biometric attendance system has been introduced, requiring hospital staff to register their presence four times daily—at 9 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Salaries will be processed based on this attendance data, and disciplinary actions will be taken against those who violate these protocols. Minister Patil emphasized that these measures address complaints about doctors' absenteeism during duty hours, which has adversely affected patient care in government hospitals. 

This initiative aligns with earlier recommendations from the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission, which advocated for a complete ban on private practice by government doctors. The commission suggested that such a ban could facilitate the introduction of evening outpatient departments in government hospitals, thereby improving healthcare accessibility for the public. 

In addition to attendance monitoring, the government has mandated that all hospitals provide outpatient services and ensure the availability of necessary facilities. These steps are part of a broader effort to enhance the quality of healthcare services in public hospitals and to address any existing shortages. The government remains committed to ensuring that patients receive proper and timely treatment across the state.