DM Rajouri suspends Covid Block Nodal Officer (doctor) for dereliction of duties.

SHYAM SOOD
RAJOURI SEPTEMBER 30:-‘Resentment expressed by health officials.Rajesh Kumar Shavan, District Magistrate (DM) Rajouri on Thursday has suspended Dr. Shabab Ahmed Nodal Officer Covid-19 (Darhal Health Block) for dereliction of duties and also initiated an inquiry in this matter.
On September 27, during testing in a private school in Thanamandi town 32 students of 10th to 12th class were declared Covid-19 positive and despite resistance by the parents, the students were isolated in a Covid Care Center at Plangarh.
Next day under tremendous pressure from the parents & public, RT-PCR tests were conducted and all the students turned out to be negative.
Taking serious note of lackadaisical approach of the health officials and dereliction of duties, DM has suspended Dr.Shabab , Nodal Officer Covid-19 and initiated an inquiry into the matter.
During the suspension period, Dr. Shabab will remain attached to the office of Additional Deputy Commissioner at Kotranka.
The DM in the order has also sought an explanation from Dr.Nagina Mir, Block Medical Officer, Darhal regarding the lapses on the part of health Department.
“Further, Block Medical Officer, Darhal is hereby directed to explain her position regarding the lapse on part of the Health Department within 3 days positively so that further action under service rules may be initiated” read DM order.
Following opening of the schools as per latest Covid-19 guidelines, instructions were passed from DM office for aggressive testing of the staff/students across the district.
“During testing on 27/9/2021 at one of the private school in Thanamandi zone under the supervision of Dr.Shabab Ahmed, Nodal Officer Covid-19, 32 cases (students)were detected positive & as per SOPs the same were shifted to CCC Plangarh for isolation” DM order read.
“The RT-PCR tests of all the students were conducted on 28/9/21 wherein all have reported Negative. Therefore, in view of the lackadaisical approach & dereliction of duties , Dr Shabab ,Dental Surgeon, CHC Thanamandi (Nodal Officer Covid-19) is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect” DM order further read.
According to reliable sources ( & as per few photographs of the test reports the students were negative). But despite objection by the health employees deputed for the testing/samplings of the students, wrong reports (positive) were sent to higher authorities.
Meanwhile, resentment has been brewing among the officers/ officials & employees of the Health Department against the suspension order.
“Health employees (due to shortage of staff & long hour duties) already performing duties under tremendous pressure, unfavourable circumstances and such action will further demoralise them. The Doctor can’t be held responsible for results of RAT kits for Corona” said few among them.
Whether the negligence in sending the positive reports of 32 students was on the part of the Health Department employees or by other non-health officials deputed for Covid-19 duties, is a matter of investigation.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr.Shamim Un Nisa has also expressed her concern over the matter and has also constituted a departmental inquiry team, including Dr.S.Qadri, Dr.Vijay Raina, to investigate the alleged lapse.
“Matter has also been taken up with the Directorate Health Services and an inquiry team may also visit Rajouri for investigation in this matter,” said CMO.