Health department suspends 3 officials, constitutes 2-member committee to probe embezzlement of funds in District Hospital Kulgam
The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) department in Jammu and Kashmir has suspended three officials, including the former Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Kulgam, in connection with an embezzlement of Hospital Development Funds.
A two-member committee has also been constituted to enquire into the matter and submit a report within 15 days.
The officials who have been suspended are:
- Dr. Afsana Banoo, the then Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, Kulgam
- Mohammad Ashraf, the then Senior Assistant, District Hospital, Kulgam
- Mohammad Shafi, Senior Assistant, District Hospital, Kulgam
The committee constituted to enquire into the matter is headed by Dr. Yash Pal Sharma, Director Coordination, New Government Medical Colleges, J&K and has Muzaffar Ahmad Rather, Chief Account Officer, Government Medical College, Anantnag as its member.
The committee has been asked to submit its report along with explicit recommendations to the H&ME department within 15 days.
The embezzlement of funds came to light a few days ago when a private security guard of the district hospital was arrested on the charges of withdrawing Rs 33 lakhs from the official account of the Medical Superintendent. The money has since been recovered.
The H&ME department has taken a serious view of the matter and has suspended the officials involved. The committee will look into the matter and submit its report soon.
The embezzlement of funds in government hospitals is a serious issue and the H&ME department needs to take strong action against those involved. The suspension of the officials is a good start, but the department needs to ensure that the guilty are punished and that the money is recovered.
