'Loitering' nurses, docs irk city govt, circular issued

The city government has issued a circular against doctors, nurses and other staff of the Health Department to prevent them from loitering at the office and creating disturbance to other employees.

In the circular, a copy of which is with Deccan Herald, Special Secretary of Administration Madhu Garg said, “Whereas it has been observed that general public i.e. doctors nurses etc are found roaming in the corridor of Health and Family Welfare Department to enquire about the progress of their applications or any other grievances they have... It is also observed that the staff of this office is indulged in entertaining visitors which is strictly prohibited.”

The administration directed the doctors and nurses not to meet any staff below the rank of Deputy Secretary. 

“Visitors are allowed only to meet officers of the level of Dy. Secretary and above during 11.30 am to 12.30 pm on working days and 3 pm to 4 pm in case of doctors and paramedicals to get their grievances or queries addressed,” the government said in the circular.

The department directed security personnel posted with the Health Department on the ninth floor of the Delhi Secretariat to keep “strict vigil” on visitors.

“The Deputy Secretary (Administration) will also take rounds of this at suitable hours to check trespassers. Anyone found defaulting shall be liable to disciplinary proceedings,” the circular said.

Security supervisors were asked to maintain a proper gate register at the entry of A Wing in the office, which will include the name, address, mobile number, purpose of visit, whom to meet and name of the hospital in case the visitor is a government employee.

After the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal from the chief minister’s post, the Delhi Secretariat is run as the babus deem fit.

Recently, government officials had barred journalists who don’t have any accreditation pass from entering the secretariat.  The circular was, however, revoked after complaints from reporters.