Government Initiates 30-Point Action Plan for General Hospitals

Overview

The Ministry of Health, Family Welfare, and Medical Education has introduced a detailed 30-point action plan designed to overhaul the performance and services of Government General Hospitals (GGHs) across the country. This initiative aims to improve patient experiences, enhance the working environment for healthcare professionals, and ensure that hospitals function more efficiently.

Key Action Points:

1. Sanitation and Upkeep:
   • Ensure a clean and hygienic environment with well-maintained toilets and urinals.
   • Implement proper biomedical waste management protocols.
2. Patient Guidance:
   • Install clear signage boards to help patients and attendants navigate hospital premises easily.
3. Manpower and Equipment:
   • Carry out an audit to evaluate the demand and availability of essential resources such as stretchers, wheelchairs, and vehicles.
   • Tackle manpower shortages in essential roles, such as nursing orderlies and lab technicians.
4. Outpatient Services:
   • Improve the efficiency of OP registration processes to ensure that patients are registered within 30 minutes of arrival.
   • Introduce evening OP services from 2.00-4.00 pm to reduce the need for patients to return the next day.
5. Diagnostic Services:
   • Audit the functioning of diagnostic equipment to minimize the need for patients to seek services outside the hospital.
   • Use decentralized budgets to procure necessary reagents and supplies locally.
6. Feedback and Grievance Redressal:
   • Implement feedback mechanisms for patients and attendants to enable necessary corrections in services.
   • Position complaint boxes at key locations for patients to submit feedback anonymously.
7. Security Measures:
   • Enforce strict controls to limit access to patients and designated areas only.
   • Prominently display anti-corruption messages and encourage the reporting of bribes.
8. Performance Monitoring:
   • Utilize apps like the e-Hospital Dashboard for monitoring the performance of doctors and other staff.
   • Conduct regular checks to ensure the attendance and performance of healthcare staff.
9. Healthcare Messaging and Education:
   • Provide healthcare education to patients through video clips and talks at OP and IP locations.
10. Super Specialty Services:

• Ensure the availability of services like cardiology, neurosurgery, urology, and cancer care at all GGHs.

1. Infrastructure Development:

• Revamp air-conditioning systems and ensure the effective sterilization of operation theatres.
• Develop required infrastructure at new teaching hospitals.

Implementation and Monitoring:

The Health Ministry has tasked hospital superintendents and principals with ensuring compliance with these guidelines. Regular progress reports will be required to track the implementation of the action plan. Additionally, a performance rating system will be introduced to promote healthy competition among hospitals.

This 30-point plan represents a significant step towards improving the quality of healthcare services provided by government hospitals across India.