Lokayukta proposes vigilance wing for healthcare sector

Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Y Bhaskar Rao, suggested on Tuesday that the Health and Family Welfare Department create a vigilance wing to effectively address corruption in the State’s healthcare sector.

A recent report by Transparency International, the Berlin-based global corruption watchdog, has named the Health and Family Welfare Department as being the most corrupt government agency in the country. Justice Rao, who addressed medical officers gathered from various parts of the State for a day’s conference on  prevention of corruption, said that this image must change.

“The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare Services can create a vigilance wing which can inspect hospitals to uncover traces of corruption and take action against those indulging in corrupt practices,” he said. 

He called upon doctors who are custodians of the health of people, to also help prevent corrupt practices.

“All government doctors in the State shall discuss the problems of corruption and must suggest measures to prevent it,” he said. He also suggested that the principal secretary advise doctors and other health officers about how to ensure a people-friendly atmosphere in hospitals.

Speaking about his recent visit to KC General Hospital, he said, “According to the patients there, the doctors are honest, but the paramedics are corrupt. It is the duty of the doctors and the hospital superintendent to prevent irregularities.”

When it was mentioned that most doctors do not work in rural areas, doctors retorted that it is the infrastructure crunch which has kept them from working in villages.

‘Money demanded’

Dr Ravindra, a government medical officer, alleged that Lokayukta officials demand money before conducting raids. The charge led Upa Lokayukta, Justice Subhash B Adi, to declare: “Name any officer indulging in such offence, and we will take action without hesitation.”

Health Minister U T Khader was also present on the occasion. Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Department, M Madan Gopal administered an oath to doctors that they will actively participate in eradication of corruption.