Chandigarh: Punjab finally sends four names for medical officer of health post

Now, the secretary, local government, Chandigarh, will conduct interviews with these Punjab-cadre medical officers, before appointing the next medical officer of health

After a three-month delay in recommending names for municipal corporation’s key post of medical officer of health (MoH), the Punjab government on Wednesday sent a panel of four medical officers to the UT administration.

In the officer’s absence, Chandigarh MC’s work, particularly, its attempt to regain the lost prestige in the Swachh Survekshan is being hampered. (HT File Photo)

The four names recommended by Punjab include Dr Ranjit Singh Rai, who is currently in Mansa; Dr Vishal Garg, posted at the Punjab Health System Corporation, Mohali; Dr Vinay Mohan, deputed with the Punjab Aids Control Society, Chandigarh; and Dr Inderdeep Kaur, working with the office of director, health and family welfare, Punjab.

Now, the secretary, local government, UT, will conduct interviews with these Punjab-cadre medical officers, before appointing the next MoH.

On Wednesday, Hindustan Times had reported the delay by the Punjab government in sending the officers’ names even three months after the UT administration repatriated the previous MoH, Dr Amrit Pal Singh Warring, in November 2021 over Chandigarh’s poor show in Swachh Survekshan 2021.

Though traditionally, the MoH is from Punjab, the request for panel was also sent to Haryana and UT by the MC.

Crucial to the civic body’s functioning, the MoH heads several functional areas, including sanitation, solid waste management, stray dog management, cattle pounds, and prevention and management of diseases like dengue. Slaughter houses also come under the officer’s purview.

In the officer’s absence, MC’s work, particularly, its attempt to regain the lost prestige in the Swachh Survekshan is being hampered.