‘Abrupt’ suspension of Panchkula CMO triggers a controversy

Amit Bathla

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, July 7

The abrupt suspension of Panchkula CMO Dr Jasjeet Kaur has sparked a row as well as a debate. She is claiming that she had sought time to meet state Health Minister Anil Vij to present her case, but the orders were issued beforehand.

“A few days ago, I had sought time to meet Anij Vij sir, but he was occupied. In the meantime, they released my suspension orders,” said Dr Jasjeet Kaur over a call.

Though the reason for her suspension was not mentioned in the order, sources said she was suspended over her alleged failure to arrange a bed for a patient during the peak of the second wave when the bed occupancy rate was at an all-time high. An inquiry was also marked into the incident. However, the findings of the inquiry were neither made public nor they were attached with her suspension letter.

As per the orders issued by Rajeev Arora, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department, during the suspension period, Dr Kaur’s headquarter will be the office of the Director General, Health Services, Haryana.

“She will be paid subsistence allowance as per rule 83 of the Haryana Civil Services (General) Rules, 2016,” the order said.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Anil Vij said he had received a complaint against the Panchkula Civil Surgeon over her failure to provide a journalist with a Covid bed. “The action was taken after allegations against the Civil Surgeon proved to be true,” he said.

Dr Kaur was given the charge of the Panchkula Civil Surgeon in February 2020 before the start of the pandemic.

Fought bravely: CMO

Earlier this morning, Dr Kaur wrote in a media WhatsApp group: “Grateful for the support. We fought bravely.’’

Unfortunate, says citizens’ body

Her colleagues and a section of citizens have termed her suspension as an “unfortunate” development.

The Citizens’ Welfare Association (CWA), an apex body of all Residents Welfare Associations (RWA), issued a press release today.

“It is quite unfortunate that one of the best Chief Medical Officers in the state is being punished for such a minor issue. Those known to her are disheartened and perturbed on the action initiated by the Haryana Government by ignoring her sacrifice to handle the Covid-19 situation intelligently and with full enthusiasm,” said the citizens’ body. The body has also written to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar for her reinstatement.

Dr Mukta Kumar new CMO

Dr Mukta Kumar, who was serving as the SMO at the Civil Hospital, has appointed as the new Civil Surgeon.