In Firozabad, an IAS official undertook an examination at a governmental healthcare facility in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad while concealing her identity and assuming the role of a patient. The official elucidated that she opted for this course of action subsequent to receiving numerous grievances regarding the challenges encountered by patients in the locality.
“As the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of the area, I had received a complaint concerning the Dida Mai healthcare center, highlighting the absence of the doctor even past the hour of 10 am, thereby delaying the administration of an injection for a canine bite,” expressed Kriti Raj. She further conveyed her experience of taking an appointment, engaging with the physician, and deeming his conduct as unprofessional.
“I ventured there covertly, veiled from recognition. I proceeded to secure an appointment and engaged in dialogue with the physician. His demeanor left much to be desired,” she articulated. Illuminating disparities in the attendance records of the healthcare center’s staff, the SDM remarked, “Upon scrutinizing their attendance log, I observed several instances of absence. While some had endorsed their presence through signatures, they were conspicuously absent from their designated posts.”
“Furthermore, approximately fifty percent of the medicinal inventory was discovered to be outdated upon our inspection,” she supplemented. Emphasizing the substandard upkeep of cleanliness and hygiene at the healthcare facility, the SDM remarked, “The maintenance of cleanliness and hygiene standards left much to be desired.”
In delineating the subpar standard of service provision at the healthcare center, she remarked, “Even the administration of injections was marred by inefficiency. The staff demonstrated a conspicuous lack of dedication towards their duty to serve the populace.”
Regarding the ensuing actions to be taken against the officials of the healthcare center by her office, Raj disclosed, “We have taken cognizance of these matters and shall conduct a thorough investigation,” appending that a comprehensive report would be dispatched to them.
Visual documentation from the scene depicted SDM Kriti Raj amidst other patients, her identity concealed beneath a veil, as she engaged in scrutiny and categorization of the pharmaceutical stock at the hospital’s dispensary.