CMO told to take stringent action against SMO

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, November 29

The Haryana State Commission for Women has written to the CMO, Panchkula, suggesting a slew of measures to ensure women’s safety in hospitals and other health centres after a female health worker accused the SMO posted at a community health centre in the district of sexual harassment.

In her letter to the CMO dated November 28, 2019, Preeti Bhardwaj, vice-president (VP), Haryana State Commission for Women, recommended disciplinary action against the Nanakpur SMO, Dr Sukhraj, as per rules as he was a habitual offender, apart from reconstitution of the internal complaint committee under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

The Panchkula CMO has also been asked to display name of the committee and its mobile phone numbers at all buildings, premises of government hospitals, dispensaries, CHCs and Polyclinic.

The CMO was further asked to provide compliance report within a week, the letter stated.

When contacted, the CMO said, “Recommendations suggested are already in place. We, however, will abide by whatever is asked by the commission.”

“A preliminary report has been forwarded to the DG (Health) for further action,” he added.

An FIR has also been registered in this matter at the Pinjore police station under Section 354-A (sexual harassment) and 506 (criminal intimidation), IPC, against the SMO.

The Pinjore police station SHO, Yashdeep Singh, said, “We have recorded statement of the victim and other women colleagues, who have accused the SMO of obscene behaviour. We have asked for the CDR. Once it comes we will take further action and arrest the suspect.”