THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, May 4: Three ANMs (auxiliary nurse midwives) posted in the labour room of Panki Community Health Centre (CHC) in Palamu district have been removed and transferred to separate Ayushman Arogya Mandirs within the same jurisdiction following allegations of illegal gratification.
The order was issued by the Medical Officer-in-Charge, Dr Mahendra Kumar, on Saturday, May 2.
Action taken under Civil Surgeon’s directive
Speaking on Sunday, Dr Mahendra said, “Under the directive of Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa, three ANMs of the labour room in CHC Panki have been removed and transferred to three different Ayushman Arogya Mandirs with immediate effect from May 2.”
The ANMs—Naina Kumari, Swetlana, and Nita Kujur—have been posted to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs at Asehar, Taal, and Naudeeha Bahera, respectively.
Allegation: Rs 10,000 demanded, later reduced to Rs 5,000
According to Dr Mahendra, the trio allegedly demanded Rs 10,000 to conduct a normal delivery for a woman from a Mahadalit family. The amount was later reduced to Rs 5,000 after negotiation.
“No money was paid. However, the offence is established by the very act of demanding illegal gratification for a duty they are required to perform,” he said.
The woman, identified as Sunita Kumari from Baludeeh village, later delivered a 3 kg baby girl at the same CHC.
Dr Mahendra stated that the three ANMs admitted to demanding money and have been warned.
“They have been told to mend their ways,” he added.
CM Hemant Soren seeks strict action, statewide audit
Chief Minister Hemant Soren, in a post on X, directed the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Palamu to take immediate cognisance of the incident and ensure stringent action. He also asked all DCs to conduct audits of health facilities to prevent such practices.
Sources said the CHC had already removed the three ANMs before the Chief Minister’s post.
Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Sriwastwa confirmed that an action taken report has been submitted to the DC and that replacements have been arranged in the labour room.
“Such malpractice in the health sector is not acceptable. The three ANMs will face consequences,” he said.
Sources at CHC Panki confirmed that both the mother and the newborn are in good condition.
