E-Paper
Magh Mela ends, not deputation
Magh Mela-2006 concluded more than three months ago but the special Mela deputation of atleast five doctors and paramedical staff is still on. Taking advantage of the communication lapses between the health departments of Allahabad, Kaushambi and Pratapgarh about five doctors, X-ray technician and pharmacists who were on special deputation duty in the Magh Mela-2006 are yet to report back to their original place of posting.
Magh Mela-2006 concluded more than three months ago but the special Mela deputation of atleast five doctors and paramedical staff is still on.
Taking advantage of the communication lapses between the health departments of Allahabad, Kaushambi and Pratapgarh about five doctors, X-ray technician and pharmacists who were on special deputation duty in the Magh Mela-2006 are yet to report back to their original place of posting.
Surprisingly the department was releasing their salary without confirming their attendance and posting status, due to which they were enjoying their 'special deputation' even three months after the Magh Mela was over.
These irregularities came to light when additional director (health) Allahabad division Dr SK Srivastava conducted surprise inspection of three PHCs and CHCs in Kaushambi on Wednesday. During inspection of a primary health centre in Chail Dr Srivastava found that all the three medical officers including Dr GK Pathak were absent.
He was told that even three months after the Magh Mela was over Dr GK Pathak has not yet reported back to the PHC, where he was originally posted. Whereas the other medical officer posted at the Chail PHC reached there at about 10.30 am, one hour after the AD arrived at the PHC.
"About a month back CMO Allahabad was given a reminder to immediately relieve Dr GK Pathak who was sent on deputation to Magh Mela. The Mela concluded three months back and preparation have started for next year's Ardh Kumbh but Dr Pathak was yet to join back Chail PHC.
Similarly after examining the records it was found that atleast four more pharmacists and a X-ray technician posted at Kodhor have not yet joined back to their original place of postings.
Their numbers could be more. We will come to know about the actual figure after going through the records of Mela deputation posting of all the health employees," said AD Dr SK Srivastava.
Dr Srivastava said CMO Allahabad was again reminded today to immediately relieve Dr Pathak and other staff.
The letter in this regard has also been sent to him, he informed. Meanwhile the AD has also sought explanation from CMO Kaushambi and Dy CMO posted at Chail for poor maintenance of Chail PHC. "In the absence of medical officers the PHC was lying in a very bad condition. The patients were found waiting for the doctors.
The OPD slips were also not issued. The sanitary condition was very poor. The pharmacist was absent. Not only the PHC staff but the CMO and Dy CMO Kaushambi were also responsible for the poor upkeep of the PHC," he added.
