The Bihar government is set to tighten regulations on doctors working in medical colleges. It is now mandatory for teachers and employees to register 75% biometric attendance in all medical colleges and hospitals across Bihar. Salaries will be disbursed based on biometric attendance, and any shortfall in attendance will result in salary deductions. This directive has been issued by Special Secretary of the Health Department, Shashank Shekhar Sinha, through a letter sent to the Principals and Superintendents of all medical colleges and hospitals.

75% Attendance Now Mandatory

In his letter, Special Secretary Shashank Shekhar Sinha emphasized that the National Medical Council (NMC) is conducting inspections and evaluations to improve the quality of medical colleges and hospitals. The NMC requires 100% biometric attendance of doctors under the AEBAS (Attendance and Employee Biometric Attendance System) system. According to the MSR-2023 regulations, 75% attendance of all faculty, senior resident, and tutor doctors is compulsory.

Reason Behind the Decision

During a recent review, it was discovered that the biometric attendance recorded in the AEBAS system by doctors at medical college hospitals was unsatisfactory on the NMC website. Some colleges have even received show cause notices from the NMC. The Health Department has instructed that 100% attendance must be ensured through the AEBAS system devices installed by the NMC. At the end of each month, salaries for doctor teachers, senior residents, and tutors in medical colleges and hospitals will be based on the attendance details recorded on the NMC biometric device (AEBAS) of their institution.

Accountability of Principals and Superintendents

The department's instructions state that in the future, any failure to register biometric attendance or unsatisfactory attendance during NMC inspections will be the responsibility of the Principal and Superintendent. This order has caused concern among doctors working in medical colleges, particularly those who only come to take classes. It is notable that biometric equipment has been installed in medical colleges by the NMC under the AEBAS system. In cases of negligence, the Principal and Superintendent will be held accountable.