TAXILA: A team of local administration found the basic health unit (BHU) in Hassanabdal closed, doors were locked and all the staff was absent from duty during official working hours, and instructed the health authorities concerned to take disciplinary action against the staff.

The residents of the area, especially woman, have been complaining against the closure, absence of the duty staff deployed at the center for long.

They were of the view that the staff concerned allegedly run their own private clinics during duty hours and remain absent from their official duties.

A team of local administration headed by assistant commissioner Mohammad Arif Qureishi on public complaints visited basic health unit (BHU) Kot Sondaki and found the gates of the centre locked.

All three-member staff comprising a doctor, dispenser and lady health worker (LHW) deputed at the centre were found absent from duty. Talking to newsmen, Mr Qureshi said that earlier a team of Punjab monitoring department also found the centre closed on Friday and the staff concerned was directed to appear before the inquiry committee at deputy commissioner office on Monday.

Despite the surprise visit, the staff deputed there was least bothered to mend their ways.

Responding to a question, he said that a report about the closure of the centre and absence of staff was submitted to the district health authorities for disciplinary action against the absent staff.

When contacted, deputy district health officer Dr Mohammad Jamshaid had confirmed that he received report from Punjab monitoring department and assistant commissioner about the closure and absence of the staff at BHU.

He said a departmental inquiry had been constituted against the staff concerned under Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and accountability Act (PEEDA) 2006.

Responding to a question, he confirmed that the staff were habitual absentees and the doctor posted at the centre was found guilty of being absent from duty ten times in the past during the surprise visit.

Published in Dawn, September 25th, 2022