The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the UP government over allegations that a ward boy was multitasking as a doctor and pharmacist at a state-run health centre in Barabanki.
Taking suo motu cognizance of media reports about a ward boy at Sarai Gopi PHC, the NHRC sought a detailed report from the government in the matter within four weeks.
A NHRC communiqué released on Wednesday afternoon said that the media reported that local residents do not visit the health centre in neighbouring Barabanki as there were no basic facilities available there. Reports alleged that doctors posted at the centre visited their workplace once a fortnight and the pharmacist mostly remained absent, hence their job was conducted by the ward boy.
The Commission issued a notice to Chief Secretary calling for a detailed report within four weeks. The Commission observed that the contents of news reports highlighted the pathetic condition of primary health centre. The negligence of public servants posed grave threat to the lives of people, coming for treatment at the health centre. The NHRC felt that it was a case of gross violation of right to life of innocent people.
A news report carried on January 1 said that the building of Primary Health Centre was in a bad shape with creepers growing over its walls and basic amenities such as fans and lights missing. The ward boy denied the allegations saying that he only provided first-aid to patients as the doctor was on leave due to some bereavement in her family.
Chief Medical Officer of Barabanki was quoted by NHRC stating media reports that he had come to know about the issue and if allegations were found to be true, action will be taken against the doctor and pharmacist. The release further added that the CMO was also reported to have said that he was ordering an inquiry into the matter.