Madurai: Four doctors, a pharmacist, a nurse and a hospital staff member have come under official scrutiny after they were accused of celebrating a New Year’s Eve party inside the maternity ward of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sembanur, allegedly while on duty.
Emergency Patient Found Without Doctors
The incident came to light after a critically injured accident victim was brought to the PHC on the night of December 31 for emergency treatment. According to reports, the patient’s attendant found no doctors or staff at the reception and subsequently searched the emergency and maternity wards.
Inside the maternity ward, the attendant allegedly found liquor bottles, non-vegetarian food, and snacks scattered around, with no medical personnel present.
Video Goes Viral, Triggers Government Action
Angered by the absence of doctors during a medical emergency, the attendant recorded a video of the ward and uploaded it on social media. The video quickly went viral, drawing the attention of district health authorities and the state government.
Inquiry Confirms Party Involving Alcohol
Following the incident, District Health Officer (DHO) Meenakshi conducted an inquiry and confirmed that a New Year’s Eve party involving alcohol had indeed taken place inside the PHC.
Based on the inquiry findings:
- Four doctors and one pharmacist who were reportedly on night duty were suspended from service
- Show-cause notices were issued to a nurse and a hospital staff member, seeking explanations for their conduct
Serious Lapse in Duty
Health officials termed the incident a serious violation of service rules and professional ethics, particularly because it allegedly occurred within a maternity ward and during duty hours, leaving an emergency patient unattended.
Further departmental action is expected based on the responses to the show-cause notices and the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings.
