Patna: The Health Department of Bihar has removed the principal-in-charge of Patna Medical College and Hospital (Patna Medical College and Hospital), Dr Narendra Pratap Singh, following a departmental inquiry into alleged unauthorised absence from duty. The development has triggered debate within the state’s healthcare administration.
Dr Singh has subsequently opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) and has questioned the functioning of the health administration after the action taken against him.
Inquiry Into Absence from Duty
According to officials, Dr Singh was found absent from his office and hospital responsibilities on June 23 without prior intimation.
During the same period, the Health Minister, Nishant Kumar, reportedly attempted to contact him, but calls went unanswered.
A departmental inquiry was initiated thereafter, which reportedly found that Dr Singh was attending to patients at his private clinic during official duty hours.
Based on the findings, the Health Department decided to remove him from the post of principal-in-charge with immediate effect.
Decision to Opt for VRS
Following his removal, Dr Singh announced that he does not wish to continue in service under the current administrative framework and has applied for voluntary retirement.
He said the action against him reflects deeper concerns about administrative functioning and urged the state leadership to consider the challenges faced by experienced officers.
Remarks on Administrative Functioning
Dr Singh said he felt the decision was unfair and expressed concern over the treatment of senior medical professionals in the system.
He also appealed to the Chief Minister to address what he described as the difficulties faced by long-serving officers in government institutions.
His remarks have added a fresh dimension to the ongoing discussion within administrative and political circles.
Impact on Bihar’s Health Administration
Patna Medical College and Hospital is the largest government medical institution in Bihar, and leadership changes at the hospital are considered significant for the state’s healthcare system.
The removal and subsequent VRS application have raised questions within the Health Department, with attention now focused on how the government responds to the retirement request and the findings of the inquiry.
Officials have not yet issued a formal statement on the acceptance of the VRS application.
The matter is expected to remain under discussion within both health and administrative circles in the coming days.
