Mico medical officer, 5 others face suspension

Nashik: A day after a woman delivered a baby in an autorickshaw in front of Mico Hospital in Panchavati due to absence of staff, six people, including the medical officer, face suspension.
An inquiry committee found that the woman was brought to the hospital around 11.30am on Monday. The sister in-charge, Sarla Rupwate, checked the patient and sent her home asking her to come back if she experienced pain again. The woman was brought to the hospital again after some time but no staff was present to admit her.
A security guard, Bharat Gaikwad, was seen flying a kite on the terrace of the hospital, the relatives of the patient said.
“Rupwate and staff nurse Manisha Shinde left before the afternoon shift nurse came to the hospital. The afternoon shift staff nurse MM Thakur came at 3.15 pm for the 2 pm duty,” said an NMC official who is investigating the matter.
“Medical officer Hiraman Kokni went on leave on Monday without applying for it or informing his seniors. At 2.55 pm, an aaya came to the hospital and brought the necessary items for delivery. She, along with women from the area, helped the patient,” the official said.
The official said that Shinde, who had left the hospital, came back and helped the patient.
“Staff nurses Bharati Kothari amd AK Deshmukh were absent from duty. The citizens in the locality said that such incidents have happened twice ore thrice in the past as there was no medical staff present in the hospital,” said the NMC official.
The services of security guards Bharat Gaikwad and Rashmi Nikam were terminated soon after the incident.
Medical superintendent Vijay Dekate said, “Strict action will be taken against the staff for remaining absent without informing, being late and not being present till others arrived. They will be suspended.”
Additional municipal commissioner Kishor Borde said that action would be taken against whoever is responsible for dereliction of duty even if the hospital has to remain closed for a while.