Minister finds doctor absent during duty at Bhagalpur CHC, admin launches probe into lapses

Bhagalpur: The district administration has launched a probe into alleged lapses in the treatment of JD(U) leader and food and consumer protection minister Leshi Singh at the community health centre (CHC) in Bihpur, in Naugachia subdivision of Bhagalpur district. She reportedly found no doctor on duty and raised concerns over the conduct of the attending medical officer during her late-night visit.TNNThe minister was travelling from Purnia to Patna on Monday night when she felt discomfort while crossing Naugachia and decided to stop at the Naugachia hospital on NH-31 for a check-up. On reaching the CHC around midnight, she found no doctor present. An ANM on duty checked her blood pressure, found it very high, advised her to rest at the hospital and immediately informed the doctor on duty.After learning about the minister’s condition, duty doctor Dr Saifullah reached the CHC and examined her. He also checked her BP. However, noticing a variation between the BP recorded by the ANM and the reading taken by the doctor, the minister asked the ANM to recheck it. The second reading matched the ANM’s initial measurement.The minister then alerted district and health department officials about the lapses, including the doctor’s absence during night duty. She also alleged that the doctor behaved oddly and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.Following her complaint, a team of local police personnel with a breath analyser, along with officials from the sub-divisional office and health department, reached the CHC. However, Dr Saifullah reportedly fled before they arrived.Naugachia SDO Rohit Kardam said on Wednesday that a three-member committee—comprising an executive magistrate, a medical expert and an excise department official—has been formed to probe the alleged lapses and the charge that the doctor was under the influence of alcohol. “We are waiting for the committee’s report. Suitable legal action will be taken on its basis, and senior officials have been informed about it,” he said.Bhagalpur civil surgeon Dr Ashok Prasad told this newspaper that Dr Saifullah is on the run and his phone remains switched off. “We have been unable to trace him till Wednesday. His salary has been withheld and appropriate action is being initiated. A departmental inquiry has also begun,” he said.Meanwhile, the CHC in-charge at Bihpur and other officials reached the facility on Wednesday and cross-examined the hospital staff.