In a shocking incident that has sparked outrage, the Tamil Nadu health department has suspended four doctors and a pharmacist after a video surfaced showing evidence of a New Year celebration with alcohol inside a maternity ward at a government primary health centre.
Video Evidence Triggers Swift Action
The controversy erupted when a video clip from the Sembanur Government Primary Health Centre in Sivaganga district went viral on social media. The footage clearly showed empty alcohol bottles and leftover food items scattered inside the maternity ward, suggesting staff had used the sensitive area for a party. Following the circulation of the video, the health department received a formal complaint alleging that the PHC staff had celebrated the New Year with alcohol in the ward dedicated to mothers and newborns.
Disciplinary Measures Implemented
A senior health official confirmed that a prompt inquiry was conducted based on the complaint and visual evidence. The disciplinary action resulted in the suspension of four doctors and a pharmacist who were found responsible for the gross misconduct. Additionally, a hospital worker and a nurse have been issued show-cause notices, demanding an explanation for their alleged involvement or negligence. The official sternly warned that such acts of unprofessionalism and violation of sanctity in a healthcare setting would not be tolerated.
Political Reactions and Broader Allegations
The incident quickly drew sharp political criticism. PMK president and former Union health minister, Anbumani Ramadoss, called the event deeply shocking. He accused the ruling DMK government of allowing a decline in standards, metaphorically turning government hospitals into "liquor dens." Ramadoss further used the opportunity to question the state health minister's recent claim about the eradication of ganja cultivation in Tamil Nadu. He pointed to the recent discovery of ganja plants on the campus of the Stanley Government Hospital in Chennai as contradictory evidence, suggesting broader systemic failures in the state's health infrastructure.
The scandal has raised serious questions about discipline, professionalism, and the maintenance of hygiene and sanctity within critical healthcare units like maternity wards in government-run facilities. The swift suspension indicates the severity with which the authorities have viewed this breach of trust.
