In a significant move, Bihar has introduced the first model duty roster for all district hospitals to provide uninterrupted services to patients. According to the new roster, every medical practitioner is now mandated to work a minimum of 48 hours per week, covering duties such as OPD, admission of patients, emergency OPD, and labor room rotations. The services will be monitored based on this roster, displayed on notice boards as per the Citizen Charter.
Issuance of Model Duty Roster
Following directives from Pratyay Amrit, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, the model duty roster for district hospitals has been prepared and distributed among civil surgeons, hospital directors, and deputy directors. Emergency services in district hospitals will now operate in three shifts: morning shift from 8 am to 2 pm, evening shift from 2 pm to 8 pm, and night shift from 8 pm to 8 am.
Instructions for Doctor Duty
Specialist physicians are required to serve at least two days in OPD and two days in the operation theater per week. Discharging patients before 1 pm is mandatory, and shift rotations for examination services have been assigned. Emergency services, including check-ups and medication, will run 24/7 in three shifts, even on Sundays and holidays, with on-call manpower deployed.
Patient Registration Timings
Patient registration timings have been fixed for two shifts, morning and evening. The first model roster format has documented the total number of doctors in district hospitals, including their names, mobile numbers, and assigned duty days. The chart also details which doctor is on duty during each shift, especially in emergency situations.
PG Students to Serve in General Hospitals for Three Months
As part of the district residency program, all government and private medical colleges where postgraduate studies are conducted are required to send their students to serve in general hospitals for three months every alternate semester. These students will work in three shifts, and their duties will extend into the night. Upon completing three months, civil surgeons will provide certificates of completion. Currently, 84 students from PMCH and 47 from AIIMS have been assigned duties in general hospitals, with other medical colleges following suit.
