: Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas has directed officials of the department to initiate action against the doctors found guilty of dereliction of duties.
The Government had initiated several steps to streamline the functioning of the medical institutions and it had resolved to take stringent steps against doctors who were neglecting their duties. Dr. Srinivas, who reviewed the functioning of the department with senior officials at a meeting here on Monday, said the Government was firm on taking action against doctors, including collection of penal fee if need be, if they were found to be acting in violation of the norms.
The Minister is understood to have sought the opinion of the senior officials on the proposal mooted to enhance the retirement age of doctors working in government hospitals to 65.
He said the department would take up promotions and transfers of the officials in the department between June 8 and 15 in line with the orders issued by the Government. He directed the officials to evolve a comprehensive policy on promotions so that genuine doctors were given their due.
He wanted the officials concerned to take up works relating to upgrading and giving a facelift to hospitals located along the Krishna river before June 15 in view of the upcoming pushkarams.
Dr. Srinivas stressed the need for introduction of ambulances equipped with advanced life support systems in all the districts, including the State capital, for effectively serving the needy.
The officials concerned could chalk out plans to procure new ones and replace the existing ones that were not in working condition.
The officials had been directed to send proposals for upgrading the hospitals in dilapidated conditions besides ensuring payment of dues to contractors who were roped in for construction and repairs of government hospitals.
