Nazim Ali Manhas
Mendhar, TDD, Acting on the directions of District Development Commissioner Poonch, Shri Vikas Kundal (IAS), and Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Rakesh Mangotra, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, conducted surprise visits to Government Primary Health Center (PHC) Mankote and PHC Harni in Mendhar Block. The visits aimed to ensure better healthcare facilities for the general public.
During the inspection, two junior staff nurses, Mrs. Ruksana Ajaz and Mrs. Naseem Fathima (NHM), were found absent without authorization. Additionally, one NHM nurse was verbally attached to CHC Mendhar without proper orders, creating disruptions in patient care at the 24×7 PHC.
At PHC Harni, multiple staff members were absent:
Dr. Om Parkash, Medical Officer (ISM, NHM), had been unauthorizedly absent since May 10, 2024,Supervisor Pharmacist, Sh. Fardos Ali, was absent for three days,Lab Technician, Sh. Tariq Mehood, had been working at CHC Mendhar without orders for six months, since June 2024.
The absence of critical staff members significantly impacted services, including ANC checkups for pregnant women.
In light of these lapses, the CMO immediately attached all absent staff and those working at unauthorized locations to the CMO office in Poonch. Chargesheets were issued, and explanations were sought from the block authorities for failing to monitor the staff effectively.
The CMO also directed the Block Medical Officer (BMO) Mendhar to Stop the salaries of all absent employees and Submit a detailed salary report of the NHM doctor absent for six months.
Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan stated that such inspections would continue to ensure the punctuality of doctors and paramedical staff in peripheral health institutions. He emphasized the need for timely healthcare services, especially in remote areas.
This was Dr. Khan’s first surprise visit to Mendhar Block after assuming charge as CMO Poonch. The initiative has been welcomed as a step toward improving healthcare delivery in the region.TDD