A new decision by the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) affects the recruitment of Duty Medical Officers (DMOs) in the state’s healthcare facilities. The council directed that only individuals with an MBBS degree be employed as DMOs at Super Speciality Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Clinics, Private Hospitals, and by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) in the state in a circular dated April 10, 2024. This directive was issued in response to inspections that found multiple inadequacies and infractions in the healthcare industry, namely with regard to DMO credentials and medical practitioner registration status.
Particular issues that gave rise to this order are highlighted in the TSMC circular. The council noticed a number of problems when conducting inspections in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) region. First of all, a lot of hospitals’ display boards were missing the medical council-issued registration numbers for consultant physicians. The lack of openness surrounding the qualifications of medical personnel sparked worries about patient safety and well-informed choices.
The TSMC’s circular specifically instructs healthcare facilities and RMPs to follow the MBBS qualification criteria for DMOs in order to address these problems. The council made it clear that it is totally forbidden for anybody without an MBBS degree to be appointed as DMOs. In order to guarantee compliance with regulatory norms, it further advised all consultants operating in Telangana to swiftly register or renew their registration with TSMC.Apart from the guidance on DMO visits, the TSMC recommended that patients use internet resources, particularly the Doctor Search feature offered by the council, to confirm the legitimacy of their physicians. By giving patients access to information about the credentials and registration status of their healthcare practitioners, this initiative seeks to increase accountability and transparency within the healthcare system.
The circular also made clear what happens if these instructions are not followed. In the event that any irregularities are discovered, TSMC threatened to take necessary legal action under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act of 2019 and the Telangana State Medical Registration Practitioners (TSMRP) Act. This demonstrates the council’s dedication to upholding legal requirements and guaranteeing the caliber and integrity of medical services provided throughout the state.
This decision from TSMC is in line with the government of Telangana’s larger initiatives to improve regulatory governance in the healthcare industry. Authorities gave medical facilities till the beginning of this year to guarantee correct registration and adherence to legal criteria. The Clinical Establishments Act may take legal action against noncompliance, underscoring the gravity of regulatory compliance in the healthcare sector.
Furthermore, TSMC’s aggressive approach to combating quackery is demonstrated by the FIRs it has filed against those who are unlawfully practicing modern medicine without the necessary licenses. In order to address these behaviors, the council collaborated with the Ayush Board, which shows a holistic approach to maintaining professional standards in healthcare delivery and protecting public health.
The TSMC guideline emphasizes the significance of licensed and registered medical practitioners in healthcare settings when it comes to the appointment of MBBS degree holders as DMOs. The council’s goals are to improve patient safety, advance transparency, and preserve Telangana’s medical care standards by correcting shortcomings in appointment procedures and placing a strong emphasis on meeting regulatory requirements.
SOURCE:
SARKARI DOCTOR
