CAG Report Highlights Shortage of Medical Staff in Indian Railways Hospitals

CAG Report Highlights Shortage of Medical Staff in Indian Railways Hospitals

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has highlighted significant deficiencies in medical and paramedical staffing within Indian Railways hospitals in its report on the "Management of Health Services in Indian Railways." The audit, covering the period from 2017-18 to 2021-22, revealed that numerous hospitals were not equipped with essential medical equipment and failed to comply with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) norms.

Key Findings:

  • Staff Shortages: The audit revealed a significant shortage of medical and paramedical staff in the hospitals that were reviewed, impacting the ability to provide adequate healthcare services.
  • Equipment Deficiencies: Several hospitals did not meet the minimum requirements for medical equipment as per the Clinical Establishment (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.
  • Financial Trends: Although the expenditure on healthcare services within Indian Railways has generally been on the rise, there was a significant decline in 2021-22.
  • Referral Cases: Indian Railways incurred substantial expenses by referring patients to non-railway hospitals. A medical audit of these referral cases was not conducted in 98.72% of the cases reviewed.
  • Ayushman Bharat Yojana: The CAG observed that medical treatment under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana had not been implemented in many Railway Hospitals.

The CAG has recommended that Indian Railways ensure the availability of adequate funds, staff, and medical equipment to meet the prescribed IPHS norms and address the gaps in healthcare service delivery. The report also calls for regular reviews of hospital resources and infrastructure to ensure the health and well-being of railway employees and their families.