Jharkhand News: Palamu DC orders health reforms after oxygen shortage death

THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK

Daltonganj, June 10: The Monday review of Palamu’s health services, led by Deputy Commissioner Sameera S, was anything but routine — the session delivered some bitter truths in the wake of a recent tragedy at Hussainabad Sub-Divisional Hospital.

The review gained urgency following the death of a minor road accident victim at Hussainabad, located 78 km from Daltonganj. The victim died due to the unavailability of medical oxygen. The situation worsened when the ambulance driver fled with the vehicle’s key, further delaying emergency care.

Public anger erupted in response to the incident. Protesters burned tyres on the streets and locked the hospital for nearly an hour that night.

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DC Warns Against Repeat Lapses

During the review, DC Sameera S made it clear to all health officials that such negligence would not be tolerated. She warned of strict action if a similar lapse were to occur in any health facility.

The DC also sought a detailed update on ambulance services — specifically the number of ambulances, availability of drivers, and response times.

Focus on Financial Oversight

Additionally, she reviewed the Financial Management Report (FMR), which covers transactions, budget utilisation, and key financial metrics important to the National Health Mission (NHM).

She stressed that the outcomes of Monday’s review must reflect in future meetings and that vague or repetitive responses would not be accepted.

Middlemen in Blood Bank Under Fire

The DC also expressed serious concern over ongoing irregularities at the blood bank. Three complaints regarding middlemen selling blood at inflated prices were received in a single week.

An attempt by MMCH management to distance itself from responsibility — citing that while the blood bank operates on its premises, it is under the control of the Civil Surgeon — was firmly rejected by Sameera S. She demanded immediate action to curb and contain the involvement of middlemen, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.

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Ayushman Coverage for PVTGs

Another key issue addressed was the inclusion of over 7,000 members of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) who remain without Ayushman Bharat health coverage.

The DC directed health officials to ensure these individuals are enrolled under the scheme without further delay or excuses.