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Physicians

Haryana Government's Geo-Fenced Attendance System Faced Opposition from Healthcare Professionals

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Haryana's healthcare staff have rejected the government's decision to implement a geo-fenced attendance system, citing concerns over breach of privacy and cybersecurity threats. The system, which requires healthcare professionals to install a mobile app on their personal devices to track their location, has been met with opposition from various associations representing government doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. These associations have expressed concerns that the system would lead to unwarranted surveillance and compromise individual and organisational security.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Haryana government's decision to implement a geo-fenced attendance system for healthcare professionals has been met with opposition from various associations representing government doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
  • The associations have expressed concerns over breach of privacy and cybersecurity threats, citing the Supreme Court's 2017 judgement in the justice KS Puttaswamy versus Union of India case.
  • The system requires healthcare professionals to install a mobile app on their personal devices to track their location, which has raised concerns over unwarranted surveillance and potential cybersecurity threats.
  • The Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) has stated that it will not share personal data or install the geo-fencing app on personal mobile phones, and will notify higher authorities of their concerns.
  • The Nursing Welfare Association, Multipurpose Health Workers Association, and Association of Government Pharmacists in Haryana have also conveyed unanimous disapproval of the proposed geo-fencing-based attendance management system.

Statistics:

  • The Supreme Court's 2017 judgement in the justice KS Puttaswamy versus Union of India case upheld the fundamental right to privacy.
  • The proposed geo-fencing system requires healthcare professionals to install a mobile app on their personal devices to track their location.
  • The Haryana government's decision to implement the geo-fenced attendance system has been opposed by various associations representing healthcare professionals in the state.
  • The USA Today reports that over 70% of healthcare apps have cybersecurity vulnerabilities ([Source: USA Today, no date]).

Sources:

  • Additional Chief Secretary, Health, communication to Director General of Health Services, Mission Director, National Health Mission, and Chief Executive Officer, Ayushman Bharat Haryana Health Protection Authority on May 30.
  • Haryana Civil Medical Services Association (HCMSA) representation to the Director General of Health Services on June 1.
  • Nursing Welfare Association, Multipurpose Health Workers Association, and Association of Government Pharmacists in Haryana representations to the Director General of Health Services.
  • Supreme Court judgement in justice KS Puttaswamy versus Union of India case on August 24, 2017 (via Legally India).
  • USA Today (no date).

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