Hyderabad: The state health department is planning to install biometric attendance system across state-run hospitals, primary health centres (PHCs) and community health centres (CHCs) in order to ensure that doctors, nurses and medical staff turn up at their workplaces and work the required number of hours. It was noted in a recent review meeting by the department that the attendance of government doctors was as low as 20-30 per cent at healthcare facilities.

A senior official from the state health department said that the attendance of doctors was found to be alarmingly low. In several smaller centres, the government doctors indulged in private practice and did not come to the PHCs and CHCs. The patients are confused as to when to go to the hospital to see the doctor. He added that a biometric attendance system seems to be the only way to enhance public confidence in the healthcare system.

He stated that the timing for PHCs is 9.30 am to 4 pm; however, at many PHCs, doctors are available only twice or thrice a week. In the absence of doctors, patients in rural areas have to go to private hospitals for treatment. He added that at several places, basic infra, like chairs and fans, was missing. (TNN)