The Haryana government has approved a proposal to introduce performance-linked financial incentives for doctors, support staff and Ayushman Mitras at government hospitals, with patient numbers under government health schemes forming a key basis for the payouts.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced the move during a review meeting with the Health Department, stating that government hospitals witnessing higher utilisation under Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu would be eligible to use the funds received for treating beneficiaries towards staff incentives as well as hospital improvements.
The funds can also be allocated for facility upgrades, sanitation and other infrastructure-related requirements, according to an official statement.
More Ayushman packages, free diabetic retinopathy treatment
The government will expand the range of treatment packages available under Ayushman Bharat at public hospitals. Saini also announced that diabetic retinopathy treatment will be provided free of cost at government hospitals, with the state bearing the cost of required injections.
Hospitals recording comparatively low claims under Ayushman Bharat and Chirayu have also been asked to improve their performance and utilisation.
Haryana explores flexible hiring for specialists
To address shortages of specialist doctors, the Chief Minister directed the Health Department to immediately fill vacant posts of doctors, radiologists and cardiologists.
The state will also explore an open recruitment model under which specialists could choose a government hospital and serve there for a specified period. Retired radiologists registered with the National Medical Commission may also be engaged at hospitals close to their residences, with age relaxation wherever necessary.
Doctors and specialists working in private hospitals or private practice could similarly be engaged by government facilities on a daily or per-operation payment basis.
Government hospitals to move towards real-time monitoring
Saini directed that district and sub-divisional hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres and sub-centres across Haryana be connected to an online platform.
The system is expected to record the complete patient journey, including registration, diagnostic tests, consultations and medicine dispensing, in real time. The move is aimed at enabling authorities to monitor hospital operations more closely.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to ensure better utilisation of medical equipment and immediate repair of faulty machines. Responsibility should be fixed in cases where equipment is damaged because of negligence or remains non-functional for prolonged periods.
Cath labs and AMRIT pharmacies among priorities
The Health Department has been asked to accelerate the tendering process for cath labs at government hospitals. Saini also set a November 1 deadline for opening AMRIT pharmacies in government hospitals across every district.
The review meeting also covered Ayushman and Chirayu beneficiary registration, health insurance claims, e-UpChar services, sanitation, drug de-addiction centres and HIV task forces.
Saini directed that district-level HIV task forces be reviewed every four months, while deputy commissioners will conduct reviews every two months.
The government has also decided to upgrade the government hospital at Hansi to district hospital status.
