Acting tough against absenteeism in the health department, Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat, today ordered suspension of 23 officials (including 03 doctors and 20 para-medics) of five Urban Health Centres (UHCs) in Jammu city during his surprise inspections.Bali, who conducted surprise inspection of UHCs, Bhagwati Nagar (Yatri Bhawan), Talab Tillo, Lower Roop Nagar, Upper Roop Nagar and Janipur areas, found these doctors and para-medics absent from duties and ordered their immediate suspension. At UHC, Bhagwati Nagar, one medical officer and four para-medics, at UHC, Talab Tillo, one medical officer and two para-medics, at Lower Roop Nagar, one medical officer and eight para-medics, at Upper Roop Nagar, three para-medics and at old Janipur (Ram Vihar), three para-medics were found absent from their duties.
Taking serious note of the situation, the Minister said that slackness, whatsoever, on the part of any officer/official will not be tolerated, and the government shall take stern action against the defaulters. He called upon the heads of institutions to monitor the attendance of all employees and ensure their punctuality and provide better medicare facilities to the patients.Meanwhile, Bali has directed the Director Health Services and CMOs of all districts to conduct regular inspections of the health institutions to ensure punctuality of staff . He also called for strict adherence of dress code in all health institutions and directed for disciplinary action against the defaulters. He has also sought a list of staff working in the UHCs along with sanctioned strength so that necessary rationalization is made accordingly. He said healthcare is the paramount priority of the Government and all out efforts will be made to further improve the system to ensure better delivery system on ground.