Mobile Ban Sparks Outrage in East Midnapore Hospitals

A new administrative directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) in East Midnapore has prohibited the use of mobile phones throughout all government medical facilities in the district, leading to widespread discontent. The circular strictly bars patients and visitors from using their devices on hospital premises, including wards, citing concerns over patient privacy and the need to prevent photography. As an additional infection control measure, relatives of critically ill patients require explicit permission to enter wards.

The ban has drawn sharp criticism from both the public and the medical fraternity. Senior doctors question the necessity of such a blanket restriction, emphasizing the essential role of mobile phones for communication. Critics also highlight the contradiction with ongoing digital administrative initiatives, such as online OPD ticketing systems that require patient mobile numbers. The prohibition is viewed as a step backward, particularly when the government promotes Digital India.

In addition to the mobile phone restriction, the circular also enforces fire safety protocols and prohibits tobacco use across all health units within the district. East Midnapore comprises numerous government health facilities, including a medical college and hospital, a district hospital, sub-divisional facilities, rural hospitals, and block primary health centers, all now subject to these new regulations.