Bhagalpur: Bhagalpur divisional commissioner Rajesh Kumar wants to make government doctors, particularly senior physicians at the Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH), who hardly bother to come to the hospital, accountable.

"They are senior doctors and the general perception is that they are next to God as they are supposed to save patients' lives. So to what extent can disciplinary action be taken against such persons," Rajesh said when asked if senior doctors were exempt from biometric attendance. "But going by the impression given by patients, mostly poor and from distant places, negligence in duty cannot be tolerated," he said.

He said the matter would be discussed with authorities such as principal of the medical college, hospital superintendent and, if required, state health authorities.

Last week, Bhagalpur district magistrate (DM) Pranav Kumar conducted a surprise check at JLNMCH and found most departments functioning without senior doctors and long queues of patients.

The DM instructed to deduct a day's salary of 14 doctors who were not found at the out patient department (OPD).

"We have been receiving regular public complaints that the hospital runs with junior resident doctors while senior doctors hardly bother to do their duty," he said.

Rajesh earlier held a discussion with the DM to know about his observation during the inspection. He asked the DM for details about faults in the system there.

"Such misconduct will not be tolerated and action will be taken against such erring persons," he told reporters.

A patient at JLNMCH said: "Seniors doctors have left the hospital in the hands of juniors while they are themselves busy with private practice. Patients do not get proper treatment here."