Patna: The Health Department has taken action against Acting Superintendent of Saharsa Sadar Hospital Dr Sushil Kumar Azad and Medical Officer Dr Roshan Lal following allegations of rude and inhumane behaviour towards a newspaper correspondent.
Both doctors have been directed to report to the Health Department headquarters with immediate effect instead of continuing at Saharsa Sadar Hospital. They have also been asked to submit their explanations within one week.
Hospital Manager Transferred
Sadar Hospital Manager Simpi Kumari has also been brought under departmental action. The Health Department has ordered her transfer and directed the Executive Director of the State Health Society to initiate disciplinary proceedings against her.
The action has caused a stir within the hospital administration.
Alleged Misbehaviour During Reporting
The incident occurred when media personnel visited Saharsa Sadar Hospital to report on children falling ill after consuming a mid-day meal.
According to the allegations, the media personnel were subjected to rude behaviour and physical assault while carrying out their reporting at the hospital.
A report on the incident was subsequently submitted to the Health Department by the Saharsa District Magistrate. The department initiated action against the concerned officials based on the report.
CCTV Footage Allegation Under Inquiry
Allegations have also emerged that CCTV footage from cameras installed on the hospital premises was deleted.
The full circumstances surrounding the allegation are yet to be established and are expected to emerge through the departmental inquiry and investigation.
Further Action After Explanations
The two doctors have been given one week to submit their explanations. Further action will be determined on the basis of their responses and the outcome of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the process of disciplinary proceedings against Simpi Kumari is being initiated alongside her transfer.
The Health Department’s action follows the report submitted by the Saharsa District Magistrate and is aimed at addressing the allegations arising from the incident at the hospital.
