SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Jan 1: Dr. Amrendra Prasad, a presidential candidate for the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA), has alleged that certain senior office-bearers of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) are attempting to defame him to prevent his victory in the upcoming election.
The JSHSA elections are scheduled for January 20, with Dr. Amrendra Prasad and Dr. Bimlesh Kumar Singh in direct competition for the position of president.
Responding to complaints by some JSHSA members that his nomination should be cancelled due to his suspension as a medical officer, Dr. Amrendra Prasad stated that the health department has already cleared him of all charges. He alleged that a conspiracy was underway to tarnish his reputation and stop him from contesting the election.
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A few JSHSA members have reportedly complained with Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Lal Majhi, claiming that Dr. Amrendra Prasad’s nomination papers should be rejected on the grounds of his suspension.
“I have no hesitation in saying that certain senior office-bearers of the IMA state chapter are behind this malicious conspiracy. They are trying to discredit me with false allegations to prevent me from running in the election,” said Dr. Amrendra Prasad, who previously served as the vice president (headquarters) of the JSHSA committee.
Medical Mobile Unit
Addressing the accusations, Dr. Amrendra Prasad explained that the matter concerns payments for the Medical Mobile Unit from 2019 to 2021. He alleged that the District Programme Manager (DPM) of Angara Community Health Centre (CHC), Shailesh Kumar, had forged his signature on the bills, and the payments were subsequently approved by the then Ranchi Civil Surgeon, Dr. Binod Kumar.
“Once I became aware of the issue, I initiated an inquiry, and the facts came to light. It was the DPM and the Civil Surgeon who were responsible, not me,” said Dr. Amrendra Prasad.
Dirty politics
He further alleged that “dirty politics” is being played within doctors’ associations in the state. According to Dr. Prasad, some vested interests within the IMA are attempting to dominate the Jharkhand State Health Services Association by installing their preferred candidates in key positions.
