The abrupt decision of a private firm—hired to digitally record patients’ data—to stop services last month after alleged non-payment of dues, has affected the daily working of 16 state government-run medical colleges and hospitals. Teaching and non-teaching staff at these establishments including Grant Medical College and Sir JJ group of hospitals are as a result forced to manually record patient clinical data, keep records of patients, diagnostic reports, etc. affecting healthcare services and the academic functioning of these set ups.

The decision has put additional burden on approximately 60,000 teaching and non-teaching medical staff at these establishments, handling over 10.40 lakh monthly patients visiting for treatment. A dispute over non-payment of dues approximately Rs 100 crore to the service provider—EIT Services Private Limited—has led to the abrupt removal of  its 500 employees and the matter has now reached the Bombay High Court.