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BMO’s salary withheld over ambulance ‘unavailability’

RAJOURI: The salary of a block medical officer (BMO) in Rajouri district has been withheld for the alleged denial of ambulance to a pregnant woman by a doctor at the Budhal health centre.

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Shyam Sood

Rajouri, May 19

The salary of a block medical officer (BMO) in Rajouri district has been withheld for the alleged denial of ambulance to a pregnant woman by a doctor at the Budhal health centre.

The doctor concerned and the BMO said the ambulance was not available as it was in Rajouri for repairs as per Mohd Sadiq, driver, vide his letter to the BMO, dated 18/5/2019 (No. Est/PHC/B/23).

The family members of the woman had hired a private vehicle and, according to reports, the baby had died at the time of delivery at a hospital in Rajouri. The incident had gone viral on social media.

The paucity of funds for ambulance fuel was cited as the reason by the doctor, alleged people. The Deputy Commissioner had ordered an inquiry following social media reports.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) also issued a show-cause notice to Dr Iqbal Malik, BMO, Kandi, to explain his position on why funds were not released under the National Health Mission. The CMO also withheld his salary.

In the notice issued on May 17, Dr Sunil Sharma, CMO, had also mentioned that the BMO, on inquiry, had also admitted about the paucity of funds. He said while checking the BMO’s bank account, the balance was Rs 2,97,800 as on date.

He directed the BMO to clear his position why he had misled the authorities and created inconvenience to poor patients. As per doctor Shahzad’s letter dated May 16, a seven-month pregnant woman, Rubeena Akhter, diagnosed with double bubble syndrome with IUD, was referred to the CHC at Kandi.

As the ambulance was on its way to Rajouri for repairs, it couldn’t be made available.

The BMO said funds worth Rs 25 lakh, under the NHM, were received on April 2 and it was not possible to disburse funds as the financial year closed on March 31. “The accounts manager from the BMO, Kandi office, has been attached at the CMO’s office for the past three years. Despite several remainders to the CMO and letter to Additional DC, no action had been taken till date,” said the BMO.

Notice issued 

The Chief Medical Officer  issued a show-cause notice to Dr Iqbal Malik, BMO, Kandi, to explain his position on why funds were not released under the National Health Mission for ambulance fuel 

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