Kumar Rajiv Nayan
Ara: Bhojpur Civil Surgeon (CS) Dr S Aman on Monday dismissed Dr Arti Kumari of Ara Sadar Hospital with immediate effect. The CS said that Dr Arti Kumari was dismissed for dereliction of duty and allegedly luring the patients to her private clinic from Ara Sadar Hospital. The action was taken on the directive Bhojpur District Magistrate.
At least three patients undergoing treatment under her died recently at Ara Sadar Hospital creating ripples in health service and district administration as the family members went on rampage at Ara Sadar Hospital and blamed the doctor for the death of the patients. After that the DM and the CS ordered a probe into the death of the patients at Ara Sadar Hospital and the said doctor was found guilty. Dr Arti was appointed on contract, the Civil Surgeon said.
Hospital sources, however, blamed the CS for all irregularities at Ara Sadar Hospital alleging that he had transferred all the highly qualified doctors to remote villages and other places and posted some simple MBBS at Sadar Hospital in place of MS degree holder who performs surgery. Further, most of the doctors at Ara Sadar Hospital run their own private clinics and lure the patients there on the plea that better medical facilities were available there. The patients are allegedly also told that they should go to private clinics to be treated at low cost but they are actually asked to pay hefty amount after treatment. The patients complained to the CS several times in this regard but to no avail.
When contacted, the CS refuted all charges and said that transfer and posting is a regular feature and if any dereliction of duty on part of a doctor comes to light, stern action is taken. But, some doctors at Ara Sadar Hospital, on the condition of anonymity, alleged that money played a pivotal role in transfer and posting.