The government has suspended medical officer Dr Ch Sudeep for dereliction of duty and initiated disciplinary action against three others for negligence in the delivery of healthcare services following a recent incident. The decision came after an inquiry ordered by health minister Damodar Rajanarsimha.
Inquiry Findings
The inquiry, conducted on June 17 by the project officer of ITDA, Bhadrachalam, revealed lapses in communication, case management, and adherence to referral protocols. Disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against Asha worker Mokalla Lakshmi and Multi-Purpose Health Assistant (MPHA) P Dhanamma for failing to identify a high-risk pregnancy despite severe anaemia (haemoglobin approximately 3 g/dL) and for not ensuring timely referral and communication to the medical officer.
Similarly, disciplinary action has been initiated against MPHA E Gyaneswari, who was on duty at the Primary Health Centre (PHC), for conducting delivery without prior consultation with the medical officer and for failing to ensure that a healthcare provider accompanied the patient during referral despite severe postpartum haemorrhage.
High-Level Committee Formed
To establish the complete facts surrounding the incident and recommend systemic measures to prevent recurrence, the government has constituted a high-level committee. The committee comprises Dr Ravinder Naik, director of public health; Dr Sudheera, joint director (maternal health); Dr Rathod Tularam, DMHO, Bhadradri Kothagudem; and Dr G Ravi Babu, district coordinator of health services (DCHS). The committee is conducting a comprehensive inquiry and will submit its report to the government.
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