E-Paper
Erring PHC docs in JD?s net
In yet another serious instance of evading government orders for staying at peripheral health centres, a Provincial Medical Service (PMS) medical officer and a pharmacist were found missing from the primary health centre after putting their signature on the attendance register atleast two days in advance.
In yet another serious instance of evading government orders for staying at peripheral health centres, a Provincial Medical Service (PMS) medical officer and a pharmacist were found missing from the primary health centre after putting their signature on the attendance register atleast two days in advance.
The irregularity along with several other shortcomings came to light when joint director (JD) Dr KK Chaurasia recently conducted surprise inspection of PHCs in Dhanupur, Kotwa, Saidabad, Andawan and women's hospital Handia. Not only this, the PHC Dhanupur was found locked and the local residents informed that it has not been opened for the last two days.
During inspection at Kotwa PHC, Dr Chaurasia found that medical officer incharge (MOIC) was missing from the centre but his signatures were present in the attendance register.
The JD was told that the MOIC had put signatures in advance. About 72 patients were present in the OPD but lab technician Ranjeet Saxena and staff nurse Neelam Chaurasia were found absent. A lab technician appointed on contractual basis at TB DOT Centre Kotwa was also found missing.
Pharmacist BD Thakur was also found missing at New PHC Jagatpur, whereas his signatures were present in the attendance register.
During inspection at Saidabad PHC medical officer Dr CAP Sinha was also found absent.
The PHC was lying in a poor state. Insanitary conditions prevailed in the emergency ward. Angry over the poor management of primary health centre Dr Chaurasia warned the staff to improve the conditions within 24 hours.
Dr Chaurasia arrived at the Dhanupur PHC at around 2.30pm and found it locked. The local residents informed that the PHC has not been opened for the last two days. Only a wardboy-cum-sweeper was found present at the PHC. Atleast 42 cataract patients were found waiting for doctors outside the PHC.
Angry over the poor treatment meted out to the cataract patients the attendants of these patients gheraoed Dr Chaurasia and demanded immediate action against the primary health centre staff.
Dr Chaurasia has already submitted his report to the CMO, who has directed to cut the salary of all the absentee staff.
The recommendations have also been made to the principal secretary (health) for initiating further action.
