Doctors Decry “Rigid” Monitoring System; Demand Administrative Reforms Instead
Panchkula, Haryana:
A recent directive from the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), Haryana, mandating the use of a Geofencing-based Attendance Management System (AMS) for all government doctors, has ignited a wave of criticism across the state’s medical community.
In a memorandum issued on July 2, the DGHS made it compulsory for all medical, paramedical, and administrative staff to mark their daily attendance through the ‘Geofenced Attendance HRY’ mobile app. The circular warns that any failure to comply will result in the individual being marked absent for the day, and salary will be processed based on AMS data.
Doctors Raise Alarm Over Rigid Implementation
The move has drawn sharp reactions, especially from doctors, who argue that the system imposes unrealistic expectations and fails to account for practical challenges. One government doctor took to social media platform ‘X’, questioning the logic behind forcing medical staff to remain within a 100-meter geofenced boundary to record attendance.
“If a doctor is delayed by five minutes due to traffic, will the Roadways Minister be held responsible?” the doctor posted. He further asked, “If a doctor is two minutes late, will they be marked absent? And who takes responsibility for patients if that doctor is arbitrarily denied pay?”
He also urged the government to implement such digital monitoring systems within its own administrative departments before targeting frontline healthcare workers.
Technology Meets Resistance
The Geofencing AMS, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, uses GPS technology to define a virtual perimeter around a healthcare institution. Staff must be physically present within that boundary to mark attendance through the app.
While officials argue that this provides real-time monitoring and ensures accountability, critics say it undermines the flexibility and trust needed in a profession that often involves emergencies and unpredictable schedules.
HCMSA Speaks Out
The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA), representing government doctors in the state, has strongly opposed the implementation. The association cited:
- Privacy concerns related to constant location tracking
- Security risks associated with real-time data sharing
- Operational impracticality during off-site duties and emergencies
DGHS Justifies the Move
The DGHS defended the system, stating that many healthcare staff were not marking attendance regularly, which is considered a violation of government orders. The department aims to bring uniformity and transparency through this initiative.
However, the medical fraternity argues that digital attendance should not come at the cost of patient care or professional autonomy, and that systemic reforms are needed to improve healthcare delivery—not just technological surveillance.
What Lies Ahead?
With growing resistance from the medical community, the Haryana government may face increasing pressure to reassess or modify the implementation strategy. For now, the Geofencing AMS remains mandatory, and salary disbursals will be strictly tied to app-based attendance—a move that may prompt further protests in the coming days.
