Authorities in Jaipur have tightened regulations within the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme following recent financial irregularities and scams. Under the updated framework, treating physicians are now required to personally verify patient prescriptions. Panel doctors must thoroughly check all details and treatment notes listed on the prescription slip before validating it with their own signature and official stamp.
Major Lapses Discovered During Scam Investigations
During the investigations into the scams within the scheme, a critical loophole concerning prescription slips came to light. In numerous instances, the prescriptions lacked the signatures of the designated doctors. Instead, signatures of junior residents or other hospital staff were found on documents meant to be authorized by senior physicians. This meant prescriptions were issued and processed under a doctor's name without their personal validation, prompting the administration to enforce stricter compliance.
Mandatory Self-Verification by Physicians
The revised system establishes direct accountability for empanelled doctors. The concerned physician must personally inspect the prescription and complete the verification process. Doctors must certify through their signature and stamp that the document was vetted directly at their level. This means any prescription carrying the signature of a junior resident or employee instead of the main doctor will immediately raise questions, and hospitals must ensure strict adherence to established protocols.
Strict Action Threatened for Unauthorized Signatures
The administration has made it clear that disciplinary action will follow if anyone other than the authorized doctor signs the prescription. Merely generating a prescription under a doctor's name is no longer sufficient. The physician must review the document firsthand and authenticate it. The primary objective behind this mandate is to curb fraudulent practices and close loopholes that allowed unauthorized personnel to handle medical verifications during previous irregularities.
Details Provided by Project Officer Dr. Nidhi Patel
Weighing in on the updated guidelines, RGHS Project Officer Dr. Nidhi Patel elaborated on the new mandates. She confirmed that self-verification by the concerned doctor is now compulsory, requiring empanelled physicians to authenticate prescriptions using their personal signatures and stamps. Following the fallout from the recent scandals, authorities are closely monitoring prescription workflows and fixing direct responsibility on medical professionals to prevent any future misuse.
