Doctors using phone torch risking patients' health in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Technology seems to have killed the torch in city hospitals. But it could be triggering a fresh infection risk.  

It has been revealed that doctors are now using light from their mobile phone during patient diagnosis. They say their phones are more handy and come into use even when they are making rounds.

In fact, so regular is the use of phones — while examining parts such as the human throat — that doctors even ask patients to hold the phones while they take a peek. Senior doctors are now warning of possible infection from mobile phones.

Dr Rahul Agarwal, a senior physician explained, “Hospital-owned mobile phones pose the highest risk of infections. These are shared among employees and shift-to-shift staff. Also, doctors hand over mobile phones to their assistants and other staff.”

Dr Agarwal explained that mobile phone surfaces pose the risk of secondary infection transmission. His analysis is backed by research that has shown that touch-screen surfaces are considered one of the largest carriers of diseases.

Dr Hari Kishan, a senior general physician said: “In the out-patient department the medical kit already comes with a torch and the doctors must use that. Using the light from mobile phones to examine patients is a serious infection and violation of protocol. It is very important for doctors to wash their hands.”