Coimbatore Health Nurse Suspended for Converting Sub-Centre into Residence
The health department in Coimbatore has taken strict action by suspending an urban health staff nurse attached to the Vadavalli urban primary health centre (UPHC). This decision came after a video went viral on social media, showing the nurse's husband and children occupying a UPHC sub-centre as their residence, in clear violation of established rules.
Viral Video Leads to Immediate Suspension
The nurse, identified as Kanitha, was placed under suspension following the circulation of the video on various social media platforms. The footage, recorded by local AIADMK members on Sunday, depicted her husband, Shyam Sunder—a DMK member—and their children residing at the sub-centre located in VNR Nagar. Health department officials swiftly initiated an inquiry into the incident on Monday, highlighting the seriousness of the breach.
Official Statement and Investigation Details
Dr. P Balusamy, deputy director of health services in Coimbatore, provided clarity on the situation. He stated, "The nurse has been suspended for occupying more than the allocated space. Further inquiries are in progress, which will be completed in three to four days. Action will be taken based on the outcome of the inquiries." He emphasized that while urban health nurses are permitted to reside in sub-centres with their families, this case involved exceeding the allowed space, which is a violation.
Immediate Measures and Corrective Actions
In response to the incident, the nurse has been directed to vacate the centre immediately. For the interim period, another nurse from the UPHC has been deployed to ensure continuity of health services. Dr. Balusamy added that measures are being taken to address structural issues at the sub-centre. "Other sub-centres in the city and the district have a partition and a separate entry for the residence and the hospital. But the sub-centre in VNR Nagar had no such facility. Now measures have been initiated to make the partition for the residence and provide an alternative entry for the residing nurse towards the eastern side," he explained.
Additional Corrections and Future Steps
Further investigations revealed that the facility's nameboard incorrectly suggested it was a main UPHC instead of a sub-centre. Dr. Balusamy confirmed that the nameboard is being repainted to accurately reflect its status. The health department is committed to ensuring that such violations do not recur, with ongoing inquiries set to conclude within a few days, potentially leading to further disciplinary actions based on the findings.
