Docs switch off mobiles given to receive plaints

This much-needed facility has been dispensed with, as doctors no longer use these cell phones while the public lack awareness about this government service.

A total of 2,850 mobile phones were provided to top officials in Government Medical College Hospitals, Government Hospitals (GHs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and District Siddha Head Quarters in the State to address public grievances.

The cell phones were meant for doctors to make enquires, if patients complained about lack of proper treatment, by first dialling the 104-helpline. The helpline officials would then call top health officials to investigate the complaints. 

“In the beginning, doctors received Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) handsets. After doctors complained that such phones were not working, they were provided GSM phones with the same mobile number,” said an official, seeking anonymity. However, many doctors were not using those SIMs and as the public also lacked awareness we plan to advise doctors to start using the GSM SIM for the patients’ convenience, the official added. 

A senior government doctor, with such a SIM, said “since my handset can accommodate only one SIM, I rarely use the GSM phone. If the government considers providing 2 SIM handsets, we will be able to use it.” 

A top state level health official said, “We will start investigating the matter and take action against such doctors as they are meant to use the cell phones to address the patients’ grievances.” Measures would also be put in place to increase awareness among the public and patients on this government provided service, he added. 

Speaking to DTNext, State health secretary, J Radhakrishnan assured to look into the issue. “I will immediately look into the matter,”  he stressed.