The Andhra Pradesh has hit upon an idea of utilizing the services of government officials, the Health University Vice-Chancellor and other officials to carry out surprise inspection of primary health centers (PHCs), area and headquarter hospitals during their district tours. They would submit their reports to the health ministry.

Their reports would be crosschecked with the regular reports of District Medical and health Officers and strict action would be taken against erring hospitals. The Health Ministry has already sent circulars to all the government hospitals stating that their functioning would be under constant watch by way of surprise checks.

According to Medical and Health Minister Dr Kodela Sivaprasad Rao, despite all efforts by the government, there was little improvement in the functioning of hospitals. The government had been spending on new buildings, new equipment, posting more doctors and paramedical staff. But complaints about absence of doctors and lack of good treatment and facilities were continuing. “There was no perceptible improvement in the services. Though we are spending hundreds of crore of rupees, there is no change in the bad image of our hospitals. It will be a sheer waste if people do not receive the benefits ultimately,” Dr Rao said.

It was against this background that the government was enlisting the services of top officials to inspect the hospitals when they visit the districts and send reports assessing the ground realities and indicating the satisfaction levels of the public. The Minister said superintendents and senior doctors of general hospitals, the vice-chancellor of the Health University, principals and senior faculties of medical colleges would be empowered to inspect the hospitals. Also included in the list are the Director of Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), the project director of the AP AIDS Control Society and the Director of Drugs Control Administration.

Addressing a meeting on the occasion of Mahavir Nirwana Day organized by the Mahavir Hospital and Research Centre in Hyderabad, the Minister said the government would encourage private healthcare units that offered medicare to the poor. He said large investment was required to reach healthcare to everyone and it was not possible for the government alone to fill the gap.

He praised the management and the staff of Mahavir Hospital for giving a human face in the management of patient care and assured the hospital of all necessary help to maintain excellence in medicare at affordable cost. He also exhorted the management to play an effective role to combat HIV infection. The hospital specializes in two important disciplines –cardiology and urology –and community services.