The Haryana government on Tuesday suspended four senior medical officers for alleged poor performance and failure in monitoring measures aimed at improving the sex ratio in the state.
Action Ordered by Health Department
The action was ordered by Dr Sumita Misra, Additional Chief Secretary of Health and Family Welfare. According to the official order, the suspended officers are Dr Tina Anand, Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at Community Health Centre (CHC) Purkhas in Sonipat; Dr Vijay Parmar, SMO at CHC Radaur in Yamunanagar; Dr Satpal, SMO at CHC Chiri in Rohtak; and Dr Prabha, Medical Officer at CHC Sehlang in Narnaul.
Allegations of Negligence
It is learned that despite being informed in advance by higher-ups and anganwadi workers, these officers reportedly failed to track the record of pregnant women. It is also alleged that in some cases, some of the expectant women already had a girl child. In such cases, the concerned supervising officer increases vigilance. According to orders, during the suspension period, the officers will remain attached to the offices of the Civil Surgeons in Rohtak, Ambala, Jhajjar and Rewari, respectively.
Disciplinary Proceedings Initiated
The government has also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the officers under Rule 7 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016. The order stated that the action was taken due to "poor performance and failure to ensure effective monitoring and implementation of measures relating to improvement of sex ratio." The move comes amid continued efforts by the state government to strengthen enforcement against female foeticide and improve child sex ratio across Haryana.
