The Commissioner of Health Services has constituted a three-member probe committee to investigate the incident at Akola Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where a woman was seen carrying a man, believed to be her husband, on her shoulders due to the alleged unavailability of a stretcher in the emergency ward.
Probe Panel Details
Led by Dr. Raj Gajbhiye, Dean of GMCH Nagpur, the panel visited Akola GMCH on Thursday to initiate the inquiry. Other members include Dr. Prashant Uikey, Dean of Yavatmal GMCH, and the Administrative Officer of GMCH. Dr. Gajbhiye stated, "We have been instructed to conduct an inquiry into the matter and verify the authenticity of the viral clip." He refrained from sharing specific findings but confirmed that stretchers and wheelchairs were available during the panel's visit. A report is expected to be submitted to the Commissioner within the next few days.
Disciplinary Actions Taken
Meanwhile, the Akola GMCH administration has dismissed two security guards and placed a ward boy on compulsory leave following the viral video that showed the woman carrying her ailing husband within the hospital premises. The action was announced after a review meeting chaired by local MLA Sajid Khan Pathan, attended by Dean Dr. Sanjay Sonune, hospital officials, and staff. Preliminary findings indicated lapses on the part of the concerned personnel, leading to disciplinary measures.
Outrage and Further Investigation
The incident sparked widespread outrage, raising questions about patient care and support services at Akola GMCH. Authorities have issued show-cause notices to several employees and indicated that further action may be taken against officials found responsible after a detailed inquiry.
