Kasaragod: The Kerala Health Department has issued a directive for doctors at government hospitals across the state to ensure that blood pressure checks are conducted for all patients seeking treatment. This comes after reports of medical staff neglecting this basic test during patient evaluations. Hospital authorities have been instructed to ensure that the necessary checks are carried out.

In addition to blood pressure, doctors must also record other vital signs, including the patient’s temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. These measurements are crucial for proper diagnosis.

In the past, doctors would ask patients about their symptoms only after taking these vital readings. However, there have been complaints that this procedure is no longer being followed effectively.

The Health Department emphasised that physical examinations and a thorough inquiry into the patient's symptoms are essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.