Uttarakhand: Break on Unnecessary Referrals from Government Hospitals, SOP Issued

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Dehradun: In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare efficiency in Uttarakhand, the state government has stepped up its efforts to control unnecessary patient referrals from government hospitals. Under the directive of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, the health department has established stringent norms for the referral system, ensuring that patients receive adequate medical care at the district level itself.

What Does the New SOP Entail?

Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar introduced the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Monday, stressing that referrals will now solely depend on legitimate medical needs. “Only specialists’ absence will justify referrals,” he stated. This marks a departure from the previously chaotic system where patients were often referred without clear medical necessity.

Key Features of the Referral Guidelines

1. The decision for referrals will now exclusively reside with on-duty senior doctors, relying on a patient’s condition rather than arbitrary protocols.

2. Communication for referrals cannot be made through phone or email anymore. In emergency cases, decisions made via calls or WhatsApp must be documented subsequently.

3. Comprehensive written justifications for each referral will now be compulsory, detailing reasons such as lack of resources or specialist unavailability.

4. Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) or Chief Medical Superintendents (CMSs) will be held accountable for unnecessary referrals.

Strengthening Ambulance and Mortuary Services

To further support this initiative, measures to enhance ambulance and mortuary vehicle services are also underway. With only 272 “108 ambulances,” 244 departmental ambulances, and just 10 mortuary vans functioning in the state, many districts, including Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat, Pauri, and Nainital, are lacking adequate mortuary facilities. The health department has mandated these districts to establish alternative mortuary vehicle arrangements immediately.

Additionally, the option to repurpose old vehicles as mortuary vans, adhering to the prescribed rules, has also been introduced to ensure that necessary transport facilities are available across all regions.

The Government's Intent

Dr. Kumar highlighted that this initiative is not just an administrative reform, but a serious attempt to provide timely and adequate healthcare to patients. “Every referral will be documented, and compliance with the SOP will be mandatory,” he emphasized. This approach is likely to strengthen the overall health framework in the state, making it more accountable and robust.

Conclusion

Uttarakhand's initiative to curb unnecessary referrals from government hospitals aims not just at reducing the burden on bigger medical institutions, but also boosts the capabilities of district hospitals. With proper implementation of the SOP, it is hoped that patients will receive better healthcare services in their localities. For more updates, visit haqiqatkyahai.

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