Bhagalpur Minister's Hospital Visit Triggers Investigation Into Medical Lapses
The district administration in Bhagalpur has initiated a formal investigation into serious allegations concerning the treatment of JD(U) leader and Food and Consumer Protection Minister Leshi Singh at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Bihpur, located within the Naugachia subdivision. The probe was launched following the minister's disturbing experience during a late-night medical visit where she reportedly found no doctor present on duty and raised significant concerns about the attending medical officer's behavior.
Minister's Unexpected Hospital Stop Reveals Systemic Issues
Minister Leshi Singh was traveling from Purnia to Patna on Monday night when she began experiencing discomfort while passing through Naugachia. Deciding to seek immediate medical attention, she stopped at the Naugachia hospital situated along National Highway 31 for a check-up. Upon arriving at the CHC around midnight, she discovered that no doctor was present at the facility. An Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) on duty checked her blood pressure, found it to be alarmingly high, advised her to rest at the hospital, and promptly notified the doctor who was supposed to be on duty.
After being informed about the minister's critical condition, duty doctor Dr. Saifullah eventually reached the CHC and conducted an examination. He also checked her blood pressure. However, Minister Singh noticed a significant discrepancy between the blood pressure reading initially recorded by the ANM and the subsequent measurement taken by Dr. Saifullah. Concerned about this variation, she requested the ANM to recheck her blood pressure, and the second reading confirmed the ANM's initial measurement, raising questions about the doctor's assessment.
Formal Complaints and Immediate Administrative Response
The minister immediately alerted both district administration officials and health department authorities about multiple lapses, including the doctor's absence during night duty hours. She further alleged that Dr. Saifullah behaved in an unusual manner and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol during their interaction, adding serious misconduct allegations to the procedural failures.
Following her formal complaint, a coordinated team consisting of local police personnel equipped with a breath analyzer, along with officials from the sub-divisional office and health department, swiftly reached the CHC to investigate the allegations. However, Dr. Saifullah reportedly fled the premises before the investigation team could arrive, complicating the immediate verification of the alcohol consumption allegations.
Three-Member Committee Formed for Comprehensive Investigation
Naugachia Sub-Divisional Officer Rohit Kardam confirmed on Wednesday that a specialized three-member committee has been established to thoroughly investigate the alleged medical lapses and the specific charge that the doctor was intoxicated while on duty. The committee comprises an executive magistrate, a medical expert, and an excise department official, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to the inquiry.
"We are currently awaiting the committee's detailed report. Appropriate legal action will be taken based on their findings, and senior administrative officials have been fully briefed about the situation," stated SDO Kardam, emphasizing the seriousness with which the administration is treating the matter.
Administrative Actions and Ongoing Manhunt
Bhagalpur Civil Surgeon Dr. Ashok Prasad revealed that Dr. Saifullah remains at large, with his mobile phone consistently switched off, preventing authorities from establishing contact. "We have been unable to trace his whereabouts as of Wednesday. His salary has been formally withheld, and appropriate disciplinary proceedings are being initiated. A parallel departmental inquiry has also commenced to examine all aspects of this incident," Dr. Prasad explained, highlighting the immediate administrative consequences.
Meanwhile, the CHC in-charge at Bihpur and other senior health officials visited the facility on Wednesday to conduct a thorough cross-examination of all hospital staff members present during the incident. This internal review aims to gather additional evidence and perspectives to complement the formal committee investigation.
The incident has raised significant questions about healthcare service delivery during night hours at rural health facilities and has prompted broader discussions about medical accountability and professional conduct standards within Bihar's public health system.
