VEHARI, Sept 5: The Health department on Monday closed the DHQ Hospital’s Nursing School for a fortnight in the wake of an ongoing tussle between students and the principal. The tension between principal Ms Sanjeeda Irshad and students started a few days back when former acting school principal Rukhsana Anjum reportedly influenced grouping among female students against policies of the principal.

Around two dozen students had protested against the school principal in front of the secretary (health) office in Lahore on Saturday.

Later, protesting students also met secretary (health) Anwar Ahmed and complained against principal Sanjeeda Irshad for misbehaving and insisting them to check the blood pressure of the EDO (Health) and DHQ Hospital MS at their residences late at night.

On students’ complaints, the secretary (health) suspended principal Sanjeeda Irshad and other school staff, including junior clerk Maqbool Ahmed, stenographer Riaz Husain, peon Sarfraz and housekeeper Azra Malik. Besides, the secretary also terminated 12 contract employees of the school and ordered an inquiry into the allegations.

Senior teacher Ms Tahira Batool, appointed as acting school principal, said the situation had calmed down, although the school was closed for a brief period.

Talking to Dawn, Sanjeeda Irshad alleged that EDO (health) Dr Pervaiz Haider and some influential people had created the situation to continue their malpractice, particularly, during the course of new admissions to the nursing school.

She claimed that the EDO had received dozens of applications from candidates to get admission out of merit. She also denied all allegations levelled against her.

She further claimed that the EDO (health) and some political figures wanted to get her transferred because of her strict check on visitors who wanted to meet girls.

Meanwhile, some hostel students claimed that they were going to hospital for their ward duties on Sunday night when protesting students returned from Lahore and misbehaved with the principal and other staff. They said the EDO (health) and DHQ Hospital MS reached the school and announced 15 days leave when the situation went out of control.

The EDO (health) termed all allegations against him baseless, saying that the situation would be clear after the completion of an inquiry.

Meanwhile, health department officials claimed that the situation was under control, while an insider contradicted their claim.

Vehari DCO Muhammad Ayub Qazi said the tension in the nursing school was the outcome of a rift between former acting principal Rukhsana Anjum and the present principal.