TWO DOCTORS FOUND ABSENT FROM DUTY

TWO DOCTORS FOUND ABSENT FROM DUTY

21-MARCH-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------The chaotic state of healthcare services came to light on Friday at the Health and Wellness Center located in Bara village, under the Bihiya block of Bhojpur district. Two doctors posted at the center were found absent from their duties, compelling the Community Health Officer (CHO) to shoulder the responsibility of treating patients.

During an inspection, it was discovered that Dr. Agnivesh Kumar (an MBBS doctor) and Dr. Vinod Kumar (an AYUSH practitioner)—both posted at the center—were absent. In their absence, CHO Rupendra Singh was found attending to patients, while other health workers were present at their respective posts. Consequently, patients arriving from rural areas faced significant inconvenience due to the unavailability of the doctors.

When contacted regarding this matter, Dr. Agnivesh Kumar argued that he is also required to attend to duties at the Community Health Center (CHC) located in Bihiya and had gone there to attend to some official work. However, Dr. Anil Kumar, the Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Bihiya CHC, has refuted this claim. He officially clarified that the duties of both doctors are strictly assigned to the Health and Wellness Center in Bara village, and they hold no responsibilities at the CHC.

Taking a serious view of this act of indiscipline, the Medical Officer-in-Charge stated that both doctors would be asked to provide an explanation regarding the incident. He further informed that show-cause notices are being issued to the absent doctors, and as part of departmental action, one day's remuneration will be withheld from each of them.

It is noteworthy that the administration is adopting a strict stance regarding the functioning of health centers within the block. Prior to this, on March 19, the Medical Officer-in-Charge had conducted inspections of various sub-health centers. During that inspection, the centers in Mahuaw, Chakarahi, Kamariyaw, and Vikrampur were found locked, whereas health workers in Tiyar, Sikariya, and Bhadsara were found to be present and alert. All personnel found absent during the previous inspection have also been asked to submit their explanations within two days.