NewsFlash Daily™
07 April 
Health workers assigned to 2027 Census spark concern as experts warn of severe disruption in patient care across government hospitals
Bengaluru: In a worrying development, government hospital staff in Bengaluru are being deployed for the 2027 Census operations, raising serious concerns about the availability of medical services for patients. With an existing shortage of healthcare professionals, this move is expected to further strain the already burdened public health system.
Officials and medical experts have pointed out that government hospitals are already facing a shortage of specialists and support staff. Assigning healthcare workers to non-medical duties like census surveys could significantly impact patient care and hospital efficiency.
Paramedical Staff Among Those Deployed
The deployment includes a wide range of essential personnel such as lab technicians, X-ray technologists, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, and ophthalmic staff from both the Health Department and the Medical Education Department.
At KC General Hospital alone, over 20 staff members have reportedly been assigned to census duties, which could disrupt daily operations.
Patient Care at Risk
Government hospitals in Bengaluru witness 800 to 1000 outpatients ежедневно, with diagnostic services like X-rays and lab tests already experiencing heavy demand. Experts warn that diverting staff to census work may make it difficult to provide timely and emergency medical treatment.
“Healthcare is an essential service. Diverting staff to census work could seriously affect patient care and public health,” representatives from the employees’ association stated.
Appeal to Exempt Health Workers
Hospital superintendents and the Karnataka State Health and Medical Education Employees’ Central Association have formally urged authorities to exclude healthcare staff from census duties, citing public interest and the critical nature of their roles.
