In a swift administrative response to a public outcry, Buxar District Magistrate Sahila carried out an unannounced inspection of the district's Sadar Hospital on Tuesday. This move came directly in the wake of a viral social media incident involving local BJP MLA Anand Mishra, who allegedly caught a hospital storekeeper shortchanging a patient on medicine.
Viral Video Triggers Administrative Action
The inspection was prompted by an event that unfolded just days prior. BJP legislator Anand Mishra visited the hospital and reportedly caught a storekeeper in the act of providing a patient with 10 fewer tablets than prescribed. A video of the MLA warning the storekeeper and threatening to file a First Information Report (FIR) spread rapidly across social media platforms, raising significant public concern over the integrity of medicine distribution at the public health facility.
DM's Comprehensive Ward-by-Ward Review
Leaving no corner unchecked, District Magistrate Sahila undertook a thorough review of the hospital's operations. Her inspection covered critical areas including:
- The emergency ward and labour room
- Paediatric, male, and female wards
- The medicine distribution counter and laboratory
- X-ray room and overall sanitation facilities
During her visit, she emphasised the urgent need for proper cleanliness throughout the hospital premises. She issued clear instructions to the hospital administration to guarantee the availability of basic amenities such as drinking water, functional toilets, and adequate seating arrangements for both patients and their attendants.
Staff Accountability and Patient Feedback
The DM took a hard look at staff discipline, verifying the attendance records of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare employees. She interacted directly with patients to gather firsthand feedback on the quality of treatment, the availability of essential medicines, and the behaviour of the hospital staff.
Based on her observations, Sahila directed that every patient must receive timely treatment, all prescribed medicines, and proper care. She issued specific orders to the Civil Surgeon, Shiv Kumar Prasad, mandating two key changes: the deployment of home guards on the hospital campus and the implementation of a biometric attendance system for all doctors.
Strict Warning Against Negligence
Concluding her inspection, the District Magistrate delivered a stern warning to the hospital authorities. She stated unequivocally that any negligence in patient care or irregularities in medicine distribution would invite strict disciplinary action. This surprise check underscores a renewed focus on accountability and quality in public healthcare delivery in the Buxar district.
