Palamu ANMs Transferred Over Alleged Delivery Fee Demands

Daltonganj: Three auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) posted in the labour room of Panki community health centre in Palamu district have been transferred to three Ayushman Arogya Mandirs for allegedly demanding money for delivery.The move follows a directive by chief minister Hemant Soren to Palamu deputy commissioner to take action and asking other DCs to audit hospitals to stop such acts. The CM’s post on X read, “@DC_Palamu Take immediate cognisance and, while ensuring strict action against the culprits, report back. All other deputy commissioners should also audit all hospitals and put a stop to any such misdeeds.”The transfer order was issued by medical officer in-charge of the CHC, Dr Mahendra Kumar, on Saturday, after the family of Sunita Kumari from Baludeeh village alleged that the ANMs — Naina Kumari, Swetlana and Nita Kujur — asked for Rs 10,000 for delivery at the centre.Kumar told TOI, “Under the directive of the civil surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Srivastava, three ANMs of the labour room in CHC Panki were removed and transferred to three different Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with immediate effect.”Naina has been transferred to the Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Asehar, Swetlana to the Taal centre and Nita to the one at Naudeeha Bahera.Kumar added, “The trio demanded Rs 10,000 for normal delivery of a mahadalit woman. After bargaining, the amount was reduced to Rs 5,000. The ANMs demanded illegal gratification for a work which is part of their responsibilities. They have been warned to mend their ways.”Sunita delivered a baby girl at the CHC on Saturday. Both the mother and baby are fine, sources said.