GARHWA: Seven health workers of the Garhwa sadar hospital were removed from their duty after a video went viral in which they were seen asking for a bribe of Rs 2,500 from the kin of a pregnant woman for her delivery.
Garhwa civil surgeon Dr Kamlesh Kumar on Tuesday said, “Taking prompt action after the video went viral, seven workers of the labour room were removed from duty.” He added, “Further action will be taken against them after a five-member enquiry team which has been constituted to probe the matter, submits its report in the next three days.” Sources said relatives of the woman admitted her to the hospital on Thursday after she had labour pains.
The in-charge of the labour room, Neelu Kumari, along with other health workers asked Rs 2,500 for her delivery.
They also threatened to turn her out of the hospital unless the amount is paid.
Soon after the incident, a political worker, Chandan Jaiswal, wrote a letter to Garhwa DC Rajesh Kumar Pathak, urging him to take strict action against Kumari.
“At a time when people are reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic, her behaviour is shameful and does not deserve to be excused,” Jaiswal said.