In a significant move to address negligence and corruption in the Health Department, the Uttar Pradesh government has dismissed five medical officers and initiated disciplinary actions against 16 others, including a Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who oversees the health portfolio, emphasized the government’s “zero tolerance” policy towards healthcare negligence, stressing that patient safety is paramount. The dismissed doctors were found guilty of unauthorized prolonged absences from duty.
Among the actions taken, departmental proceedings have been initiated against CMO Dr Sanjay Kumar Shaival and Deputy CMO Dr Sanjay Verma in Ambedkar Nagar for alleged irregularities in private healthcare facility registrations. In Hardoi district, Medical Superintendent Dr Manoj Kumar Singh is facing a departmental inquiry for failing to address illegally operated private hospitals and dereliction of duty. Additionally, the Health Department has ordered actions against officials in various districts for alleged negligence and administrative shortcomings.
The government has also imposed penalties on several medical professionals, including withholding salary increments and censure punishments. Notably, Dr Lalmani of Hamirpur had three annual increments permanently stopped due to allegations of extorting money from pregnant women. Dr Pawan Sahu, an orthopedic surgeon in Jhansi, faced censure punishment and salary increment stoppage over confirmed private practice allegations. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and discipline in public healthcare services, emphasizing continued strict actions against erring officials for patient welfare.
