THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, Jan 8: The inauguration of the police chowki at MMCH Daltonganj, led by State Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore, was attended by an array of dignitaries, including SP Reeshma Ramesan, DDC Shabbir Ahmed, Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar, Medical Superintendent Dr. Dharmendra Kumar, and District Congress President Bittu Pathak. The event was widely appreciated, with the establishment of the police chowki receiving unanimous praise.
Minister slams outsourcing agency’s financial irregularities
However, the finance minister’s speech became the highlight of the event, delivering a stunning blow to MMCH Daltonganj’s operations. Kishore raised concerns about the recovery of government funds from the outsourcing agency Balaji Detective Force, which has been providing services at the facility.
He strongly advocated for terminating the agency’s contract and replacing it with a workforce managed by the municipal corporation, leaving attendees taken aback by his direct and candid remarks.
Finance Minister Radha Krishna Kishore did not hold back as he shed light on financial irregularities involving the outsourcing agency, Balaji Detective Force, responsible for maintaining cleanliness at MMCH Daltonganj. He revealed that the agency received a staggering ₹13 lakh per month from the hospital management, despite glaring discrepancies in its workforce deployment. He questioned how the MMCH management failed to detect these lapses.
While the minister refrained from directly seeking explanations from officials about the hefty monthly payments, his tone was uncompromising. He described the ₹13 lakh payments as a “gross economic crime” and demanded that the agency be immediately terminated. His hard-hitting remarks left the audience, including officials, stunned, as few anticipated such a tough stance from the minister.
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Demand for accountability and biometric attendance
Medical Superintendent Dr. Dharmendra Kumar attempted to provide clarifications, but the minister remained resolute, making it clear that he would not tolerate any evasion of accountability.
Kishore directly inquired whether the agency’s staff was using biometric attendance systems. Dr. Kumar admitted that only a few employees were doing so but assured the minister that by January 11, all personnel would comply with biometric attendance requirements.
Dress code and system reforms
The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of discipline and accountability within the health services at MMCH Daltonganj, beginning with a mandatory dress code for all staff. He stated that wearing uniforms would eliminate confusion and help identify unauthorized individuals such as middlemen or touts.
The minister also questioned Medical Superintendent Dr. Dharmendra Kumar about the failure to float a tender for a new outsourcing agency in July 2024, despite explicit instructions from senior IAS officer Abu Imran. In response, Dr. Kumar explained that although a tender was initiated, it had to be scrapped due to technical issues.
Kishore firmly declared that the current outsourcing agency would no longer operate unchecked at MMCH. He accused the agency of running a parallel system within the hospital and vowed to put an end to such practices. His remarks left no room for ambiguity, signaling a crackdown on inefficiency and misconduct.
Police chowki to enhance security at MMCH
On the inauguration of the new police chowki, the minister expressed optimism that it would enhance security for the hospital’s staff, especially doctors. He highlighted that a secure environment is essential for fostering development and ensuring the smooth functioning of healthcare services.
He said as he is the son of Palamu, it’s his duty and responsibility to ensure the people of Palamu get better medical care.
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Dr. R.K. Ranjan recounted incidents from the past where doctors at MMCH Daltonganj faced threats from agitated patient attendants, often fearing for their safety. He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated police chowki would foster better relationships between doctors, patients, and their attendants, ensuring a more secure and harmonious environment.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar hailed the inauguration of the police chowki as a historic milestone for the people of Palamu, marking a significant step toward improved healthcare safety.
Superintendent of Police Reeshma Ramesan announced plans to upgrade the police chowki into a full-fledged outpost. She explained that the upgraded facility would handle tasks such as injury reports and post-mortem documentation, further enhancing its role in supporting the hospital and the community.
