Jharkhand Doctors Boycott Biometric Attendance: Clash Over Feasibility for Emergency Services

Jharkhand government doctors boycotted the biometric attendance system, calling it unfeasible for emergency services. They protested via offline attendance. The health department is considering their concerns. Issues include undefined duty hours for emergencies, technical flaws, and lack of internet coverage in some areas. The health secretary aims to address these issues efficiently.

Jharkhand government doctors on Tuesday boycotted the biometric attendance system, terming it 'not feasible' for emergency services.

The health department acknowledged the doctors' concerns and stated it will review the issues raised about the biometric attendance system.

The doctors claimed punctuality in reaching their workplaces—hospitals and health centres—but skipped biometric attendance in protest, opting for offline methods instead.

The decision to boycott was reached at an August 11 joint meeting of the Jharkhand unit of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Jharkhand State Health Service Association (JHSA) following a government order mandating the system for all government employees, an IMA official disclosed.

JHSA state secretary Dr. Thakur Mrityunjay Kumar Singh highlighted that the order did not specify emergency services. He noted the fixed duty hours for general employees and questioned the applicability for doctors handling emergency cases without extra compensation.

Jharkhand IMA secretary Pradip Kumar Singh stated that the order was impractical for police and medical emergencies, citing unpredictable duty hours.

Technical flaws in the system were also noted, such as issues with VIP duties and night shifts inaccurately logged, Singh added.

Furthermore, several state areas lack proper internet speed, complicating attendance marking during special duties, Singh mentioned.

Ranchi Sadar Hospital surgeon Dr. Ajit Kumar argued that the inclusion of emergency services would disrupt patient care, stating he cannot abandon a surgery midway due to duty hours ending.

Jharkhand Health Secretary Ajoy Kumar Singh acknowledged receiving the doctors' representation and expressed willingness to consider their suggestions. He emphasized the system's aim to enhance healthcare delivery, although noting current gaps in comprehensive doctor data.

The health secretary also suggested exploring alternatives such as geo-fencing or mobile application-based attendance systems.