Jajpur: A government doctor posted at the Dharmasala Community Health Centre (CHC) in Odisha’s Jajpur district has been suspended for allegedly instructing patients to purchase medicines from private pharmacies, instead of providing them from the government-run facility.
The suspended doctor has been identified as Dr. Hemanta Kumar Maharana, health officials confirmed on Thursday. The action was initiated following complaints received by Odisha Health Secretary Aswathy S, who visited the area on Monday in response to a diarrhoea outbreak.
Suspension Following Field Visit
During her inspection of the CHC, patients reportedly informed the Health Secretary that Dr. Maharana had been consistently advising them to obtain medications from outside outlets, even though medicines were available at the health centre.
Taking immediate cognisance of the issue, the Health and Family Welfare Department issued a suspension order and directed Dr. Maharana to report to the District Headquarters Hospital. He has also been prohibited from leaving the station without prior approval from senior authorities.
Growing Scrutiny on Govt Doctors
This incident adds to a growing list of disciplinary actions being taken against government doctors in India.
Also Read: Govt Surgeon Suspended Over Bribery Allegations in Chikkaballapura
In that separate case, a surgeon serving as the in-charge Taluk Health Officer in Karnataka’s Gudibande was suspended after a news channel aired a video showing him allegedly demanding and accepting bribes for conducting surgeries. That footage triggered public outrage and led to swift departmental action.
