MP: Hospital Dean, top medical official sacked over rats gnawing eyes of dead body

Bhopal:The Department of Medical Education on Friday, saw a few Heads transferred after the Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan conducted a “surprise inspection” at Hamidia Hospital, the teaching facility of the Gandhi Medical College (GMC), Bhopal.

Additional Chief Secretary (Medical Education) Prabhanshu Kamal and Dean of the GMC, Dr Alka Shrivastava are among those transferred, according to a government release. Department sources, however, said even Director of Medical Education GS Patel has been shifted. The government has appointed Manish Rastogi as Commissioner (Medical Education). Patel, however, told HT he was not aware of his transfer. Gauri Singh, Principal Secretary Health and Family Welfare has been given the interim charge of ACS, Medical Education.

The immediate cause of transfers is believed is be a news report on the hospital that spoke about an incident of rodents gnawing on the dead body of identified Gulab Bai (60). The old woman lived in a shed erected by an NGO Share and Care. On the basis of media reports, the NGO was also asked to vacate the hospital premises.

Sources said besides the above stated incident, the Chief Minister was also disapproving of the mismanagement at the hospital. An after his departure from the hospital transfer orders against the officials in the department of Medical Education were issued.

Faggan Singh Kulaste, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in an effort to under play the gulab rai incident said in Mandla on Thursday , “It’s a crime to kill rats and no one has control over rodents.”

The Chief Minister inspected the emergency unit, outpatient department (OPD), ICU ward and medical store. He also asked patients if they got free medicines on regular basis.

It is believed upon finding a lack of sanitation on the premises, Chouhan ordered the removal of Assistant Chief Secretary (Medical Education) Prabhanshu Kamal and Hospital Dean Dr Alka Shrivastava.

During the inspection, officials said, some other irregularities were also found at the hospital.

Chouhan also ordered the scrapping of the contract of the agency responsible for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene on the hospital premises.

Mr. Chouhan also directed Divisional Commissioner and collector Bhopal to prepare a report after studying the problems afflicting the Hamidia Hospital .

He also expressed dissatisfaction with the ACS and DME over the 'chaotic situation' that prevailed during the NEET counselling for admissions to MBBS and Dental Courses in the state.