Haryana health employees oppose geo-fencing attendance app over privacy concerns
The geo-fencing-based attendance app introduced by the Health Department across the state is facing hiccups in its implementation. Doctors and health staff have already raised concerns and expressed resistance in downloading the app in their mobile phones, due to which it is not being implemented on ground to achieve the goal for which it was started. While the app has been officially mandated, its implementation remains partial. Without a consensus between staff and administration, enforcement may continue to face roadblocks.
What is the attendance app introduced by the Health Department?
It is a GPS and facial recognition-enabled mobile application designed to mark the attendance of doctors and health staff. It ensures that employees are physically present at their assigned locations by using geo-fencing technology.
How does the app technically function?
Officials say the app relies on geo-fencing technology and facial recognition. It only allows attendance logging within the prescribed area. Any movement beyond 500 meters during duty hours triggers a system alert. For this to work, the app requires a stable internet connection and location access.
Why was this app introduced?
As per senior officials, the state health authorities introduced the app to promote discipline, accountability, and real-time attendance tracking among doctors, National Health Mission (NHM) workers, and other health staff. It aims to address complaints of absenteeism and ensure that health personnel are present during working hours.
Who is supposed to use the app?
It has been made mandatory recently for all government health staff, including doctors, NHM employees, nurses, lab technicians, and field workers posted at district civil hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Initially, the app was compulsory only for NHM employees; and it was started from Ambala district. The recent directives from the state headquarters have extended the requirement to all doctors and health workers. This change has triggered widespread opposition across the state.
What are the major concerns raised by doctors and health workers?
The primary objections revolve around privacy and data security. Doctors and health workers are concerned about potential misuse of their personal data and constant surveillance. Many believe that it is disturbing and may lead to third-party tracking of their movements.
Had the doctors raised the issue?
Doctors under the banner of the Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) have raised the issue by submitting memorandums to civil surgeons at district headquarters. They met senior officials, including the DG Health, ACS Health, and Health Minister, urging the government to halt implementation until the staff’s consent is taken. They argue that biometric attendance is already in place and is sufficient.
Have any other health associations expressed similar concerns?
Apart from HCMSA, associations representing nursing staff, lab assistants, NHM workers, and radiographers have also expressed dissatisfaction. They demand safeguards to protect personal data and question the need for an additional layer of attendance verification when there is already a bio-metric attendance system in place.
What do government officials say?
Government officials confirmed that the app is now mandatory for all staff and instructions about the same have been clearly issued. They admitted that the implementation is facing major resistance on the ground. Majority of doctors and staff members have not downloaded or used the app.
Has the department responded to the concerns?
So far, the Health Department has stood firm and no relief has been extended to the doctors and health staff.
Haryana Tribune