Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Probe reveals irregularities at Tirupparankundram PHC

MADURAI: An enquiry conducted by the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) has revealed irregularities in implementing the State Government’s maternity assistance scheme at Tirupparankundram primary health centre (PHC) near here.

Following the inspection of the PHC by Health Minister, M. R. K. Panneerselvam on Sunday, the Directorate has issued orders relieving Medical Officer (in charge) of duty with immediate effect.

Details of the enquiry were also brought to the notice of the Minister. The charges include misappropriation of State Government and National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) funds.

Official sources told The Hindu that the Directorate conducted an enquiry last month following public complaints that some staff members were demanding money for handing over the cheques to pregnant women under Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Assistance Scheme.

S. Elango, Director of Public Health, said, “We are initiating disciplinary action based on the special audit report and also the enquiry findings. Demanding bribe from the public for implementing Government assistance schemes will not be excused under any circumstance.”

According to Dr. Elango, the Health Minister had ordered action against Tirupparankundramprimary health centre staff found guilty of violating norms.

Some of the complaints against the PHC staff include irregularities in identifying beneficiaries for pregnant women assistance scheme or delay in handing over the maternity assistance.

Mr. Panneerselvam had asked the Director of Public Health to look into whether additional funds could be allotted for the Tirupparankundram facility in order to upgrade its infrastructure.

While he directed the staff to ensure that there were no more complaints from public, the Minister spoke to Dr. Elango regarding the construction of a labour ward.

The Minister directed the Deputy Director of Health Services, Madurai district, A. Palanichamy, to increase the number of deliveries at the PHC.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Circuit Assembly
Forums create opinion against GM food
World Religion Day celebrated at city hospital
Good and bad of the West
Jehovah’s Witnesses meet
Water level
Role of youth stressed
Probe reveals irregularities at Tirupparankundram PHC
Hospital conducts ‘rubber duck race’ on Kallandiri canal for a noble cause
Madurai Today

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu