Govt to curb entry of politicians to hospitals

It was decided to exempt the department from certain procedures that led to delays in taking decisions.

The Maharashtra government plans to restrict the entry of politicians to hospitals as it creates pressure on security personnel,police and medical staff,besides causing inconvenience to patients.

The issue was raised in a special Cabinet meeting on Thursday by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar,who pointed out that after an accident,blast or terror attack,corporators,MLAs,MPs,MLCs,ministers and other politicians make a beeline to hospitals to meet the victims and their families.

Referring to scores of politicians visiting various hospitals after the blasts in Mumbai,he pointed out that politicians are accompanied by supporters,who storm the hospital,causing inconvenience to patients and staff,apart from burdening the security arrangement.

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Pawar demanded that the government should restrict access to politicians and allow only a few,like the Chief Minister,Deputy CM and leaders of Opposition in the legislative assembly and council,to visit hospitals. His sentiments were endorsed by some ministers,who said a protocol be evolved.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan accepted the need to impose restrictions and said a decision would be taken after a detailed discussion and due consultation with leaders of political parties.

The Cabinet also decided to relax norms that took a lot of time in procurement of equipment for the Home department and recruitment of police personnel. It was decided to exempt the department from certain procedures that led to delays in taking decisions. A special meeting to discuss the requirements of the Home department is to be held soon.

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