GUWAHATI, Feb 27 – Disappointed with the doctors reluctance to serve in the rural areas, the State Government has initiated disciplinary action against 67 doctors. The doctors were selected by the State Government a couple of months back, but they are yet to join their duties. Addressing a press conference here today the State Health Minister, Dr Bhumidhar Barman informed that the Health Department had already imposed fine of Rs 5.35 lakh on each doctor for their refusal to work in the rural areas. It may be mentioned there that altogether 460 doctors were selected by the State Government of which 160 have joined so far.
The Health Minister further said that the department had already served notices against the doctors failing to join in the place of posting within the stipulated time as per the provision of rules under the Act. In this context, Dr. Barman said that the State Government has laid down some new norms under which doctors have to work atleast for five years in the rural areas qualify for post graduation. “The new rules have been framed in order to strengthen the rural health service of the State”, the Health Minister added.
According to official statistics there are 2697 doctors in the State and the ratio (patients and doctors) is far below than the national average. On shortage of doctors, he said that the Department would soon recruit new doctors to overcome the problem. Asked about anomalies in the drugs purchasing policy, he revealed that the department had changed the existing drugs purchasing policy to avoid extra expenditure and wastage of medicines. “The drug testing laboratory would be improved to test all essential drugs. After receiving satisfactory report from the laboratory, the Directorate will place order for supply of drugs”, Dr. Barman said.
On improvement of the three medical colleges of the State, Dr. Barman stated that a comprehensive project proposal has been prepared for improving infrastructure, treatment and research for the three colleges. Moreover the North Eastern Council (NEC) has granted Rs 117.02 crore under 10th Five Year Plan for the three medical colleges. He said that doctors must provide their service in the rural areas which is also mandatory.