Muzaffarpur, Aug. 26: The state government has asked mandarins of medical colleges and hospitals to get ready to answer questions on the outbreak of any disease, treatment and death of patients in a bid to tighten the noose around negligent and errant doctors.

This directive follows the death of more than 50 children owing to an encephalitis-like disease in Muzaffarpur in June-July. Health hubs in the state, including Patna Medical College and Hospital and Nalanda Medical College and Hospital in Patna, Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital in Gaya, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Bhagalpur, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital and Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) in Muzaffarpur have been prepared to list micro-details of their patients.

Taking serious note of the commotion created by patients’ families in cases of death caused by negligence on the part of doctors or nurses, the state health department has dictated terms to the health hubs to keep detailed accounts of the symptoms of each and every patient coming for treatment and subsequently, pen down the line of treatment followed. Death of patients during treatment will certainly invite questions for the attending doctors.

The state government has decided to fix accountability in cases of deaths in a bid to check recurring incidences of negligence and carelessness on the part of doctors.

The department has sought weekly and monthly reports from the doctors about their patients and their status of recovery. The superintendents have been directed to do their duties or be ready for action.

SKMCH Superintendent Dr G.K. Thakur told The Telegraph that his office has received fresh instructions from the principal secretary of the health department on ensuring promptness in treatment and mitigating the discomfort of patients. Dr Thakur added that he had convened a meeting of the heads of departments to brief them about the government’s concern. He said if a head of department decides to refer a patient to another hospital, he would have to give reasons for that in writing.