Health staff face action over private clinic referrals

Inquiry exposes malpractice at RHC; patients made to bear unnecessary costs

MAILSI:

The Health Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against staff members of the Rural Health Centre (RHC) Jallah Jeem after allegations surfaced that maternity cases were being referred to a private clinic.

Official sources said Deputy District Health Officer (DDHO) Mailsi Dr Nasir Usmani took notice of the complaints aired in the media and raised by local residents.

He ordered an inquiry, which revealed irregularities suggesting that RHC Jalla Jeem staff were referring maternity patients to Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic, located in Kot Kabir, without valid medical reasons.

The investigation found that the practice caused unnecessary financial strain and travel inconvenience for expectant mothers.

Following the initial findings, DDHO Dr Usmani issued show-cause notices to the concerned health worker and supervisor, while further inquiries are underway to identify additional responsible officials.

Dr Usmani emphasized that public health facilities exist solely to serve citizens and that negligence, corruption, or self-interest will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

He assured that the health department will take firm and transparent action against those involved to deter similar misconduct in the future.

Earlier, allegations surfaced against the staff of the Rural Health Centre (RHC) Jallah Jeem for allegedly referring maternity (delivery) cases to a private clinic without medical justification, prompting public calls for a transparent investigation and strict legal action against those involved.

According to local sources, the RHC staff have been accused of routinely directing pregnant women to Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic, Kot Kabir, despite the RHC being equipped with essential facilities for childbirth.

This practice, residents say, places unnecessary financial and travel burdens on poor patients.

Reports indicate that over the past few weeks, dozens of expectant women have been referred to the same private clinic without any clear medical reason.

Allegedly, some RHC staff members have informal ties with the private clinic and may be receiving monetary or other benefits in exchange for sending patients there.

Despite the availability of doctors, nurses and support staff at RHC Jallah Jeem, locals complain that women seeking delivery services are being turned away instead of being provided treatment on-site.