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ASHA protest:OPD suspended for 3 hours at Mohanlalganj CHC in Lucknow
ASHA workers reached CHC at around 7 am and did not allow the locks of doctors’ chambers to be opened. They were irked with delay in action against a doctor who allegedly slapped an ASHA on August 4
The OPD services at Mohanlalganj community health centre (CHC) remained suspended for about three-hours on Monday due to protest by ASHA workers.
ASHA workers reached CHC at around 7 am and did not allow the locks of doctors’ chambers to be opened. They were irked with delay in action against a doctor who allegedly slapped an ASHA on August 4.
The incident, against which ASHA workers had lodged a complaint was related to ultrasound of a woman patient. The ASHA said in her complaint that the doctor demanded money for ultrasound and its report, which the patient denied. Following exchange of heated words, the doctor allegedly slapped the ASHA after which a complaint was lodged. Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak ordered chief medical officer of Lucknow Dr Manoj Agrawal to conduct probe.
On Monday, ASHAs reached the CHC and sat before the channel gate of the OPD section of the CHC. They raised slogans demanding swift action in the case.
“If an ASHA is not safe inside a health facility, how can we expect safety of pregnant women we bring for medical consultation and diagnosis. Most of them are from village and come solely dependent upon us,” said Asha Sharma, an ASHA attached to the Mohanlalganj CHC.
The OPD services could resume only at 10.30 am after police and administrative officials assured of action by August 10.
“The details of complaint, evidence from the CHC campus and primary report has been sent to state administration that will now decide upon action against the guilty,” said Dr Ashok in charge superintendent of the CHC.
“We will wait till August 10, and if nothing happens, we will go to chief minister for help,” said Asha Sharma.
The average OPD footfall is over 150 a day at the CHC.
