Explainer: Geofencing attendance app faces roadblock
The geofencing-based attendance app in the Health Department across the state is facing hiccups in its implementation. Doctors and health staff have already raised their 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, implementation remains partial. Without a consensus between the staff and administration, enforcement might continue to face roadblock.
What is the geofencing-based attendance app introduced by the Health Department?
The geofencing-based-attendance app is a GPS and facial recognition-enabled mobile application designed to mark the attendance of the doctors and health staff. It ensures that the employees are physically present at their assigned locations by using geo-fencing technology.
How does the application technically function?
The 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 metres during duty hours triggers a system alert. 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, NHM workers and other health staff. It aims at addressing the complaints of absenteeism.
Who is supposed to use the app?
The app has been made mandatory recently for all government health staff, including doctors, National Health Mission (NHM) employees, nurses, lab technicians and field workers posted at District Civil Hospitals, Subdivisional Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Initially, the app was compulsory only for NHM employees. However initially, it was mandatory for only NHM employees and started from Ambala district. The recent directives from the state headquarters have extended the requirement to all doctors and health workers. The change has triggered widespread opposition across the state.
What are the major concerns raised by the doctors and health workers?
The primary objections revolve around privacy and data security. The 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.
Have the doctors raised the issue?
The 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 and met with senior officials, including the DG Health, ACS Health, and Health Minister, urging the government to halt the implementation until the staff consent is taken. They argue that biometric attendance is already in place and sufficient.
Have any other health associations expressed similar concerns?
Yes, apart from the 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.
Haryana Tribune