OP hours in government hospitals extended by one hour; doctors’ emergency shifts reorganised

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The OP (outpatient) hours in government hospitals across the state, excluding medical colleges, have been extended by one hour. Earlier, OP services were available from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the timing has now been extended until 2 p.m. The Health Department has also issued an order reorganising doctors’ duties in emergency departments under a new shift-based system. The revised rule applies to all government hospitals, from taluk hospitals to district and general hospitals.

The reform aims to improve the efficiency of hospital services, ensure timely treatment for patients, and distribute the workload of doctors more evenly.

Under the new system, doctors in emergency departments will work in three shifts:

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

8 p.m. to 8 a.m. (12-hour night shift)

Although this system already existed in some hospitals, there were complaints that it was not properly followed. The government has now standardised the system across hospitals. Doctors who work the night shift will be given off the following day.

Specialist doctors and general cadre doctors must handle ward duty on a rotation basis. Doctors above 56 years of age and chief consultants have been exempted from ward duty. Earlier, the age limit was 50. Doctors on call duty must remain within an 8-kilometre radius of the hospital. In emergency situations, the hospital will arrange transport facilities for them.

Superintendent’s duty time changed

• The duty hours of the hospital superintendent have been revised from 10 AM-4 PM to 8 AM-3 PM. The superintendent is responsible for the hospital’s administrative functions, including preparing the master plan, purchasing medicines, and overseeing accreditation processes. The superintendent must also report directly to the District Medical Officer.
• The Resident Medical Officer (RMO) will be responsible for supervising nursing and paramedical staff, controlling ambulance services, and maintaining hospital cleanliness. In places where there is no forensic surgeon, the RMO will also coordinate post-mortem procedures.