Chhindwara: The Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Chhindwara District, Dr. N.K. Shastri, has issued a stern warning to private hospitals and nursing homes against employing BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) doctors as Resident Medical Officers (RMO) or duty doctors in critical care roles. Violations of this directive could lead to severe consequences, including the cancellation of hospital registrations.
Key Directives and Concerns
- Exclusive Employment of MBBS Doctors:
- Hospitals have been instructed to employ only MBBS-qualified doctors for roles in the emergency department, ICU, and general wards.
- Using BAMS/BHMS practitioners for such roles has been deemed unacceptable due to the potential risk to patient safety.
- Warnings Issued:
- A letter from the CMHO explicitly warned private hospitals about complaints received regarding the deployment of BAMS/BHMS doctors in critical care.
- It emphasized the risk of medical accidents and fatalities in emergencies when unqualified professionals handle such responsibilities.
- Enforcement Measures:
- Surprise inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance.
- Non-compliance will result in disciplinary actions under the “Nursing Home Act,” including possible cancellation of hospital registration.
Expert Reactions
- Dr. Lakshya Mittal, President of the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), highlighted the broader implications:
- This issue is widespread across the country, not confined to Chhindwara.
- Employing unqualified personnel in critical roles undermines public trust and jeopardizes patient safety.
- He called for immediate intervention and a transparent investigation at both state and national levels to address these irregularities.
- Risks Highlighted:
- The misuse of medical designations for cost-cutting or staffing shortages compromises ethical standards.
- Life-threatening consequences can arise when unqualified individuals handle critical responsibilities, further eroding trust in the healthcare system.
Calls for Reform
- Verification and Oversight:
- Strengthen credential verification for medical professionals.
- Enhance oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Accountability:
- Penalize institutions and individuals engaging in such unethical practices.
- Introduce stricter penalties under relevant laws to deter future violations.
Implications
This directive underscores the need for robust regulatory enforcement in India’s healthcare system. Safeguarding patient welfare requires strict adherence to professional qualifications, ensuring that only adequately trained doctors handle critical medical duties. The issue highlights a systemic problem that demands immediate attention to uphold ethical and professional standards across the sector.
