Dehradun — In a sweeping crackdown on substandard healthcare services, District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal led four administrative teams in simultaneous surprise inspections of 12 urban primary health centers (PHCs) operated under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode in Dehradun district. The early morning raid revealed alarming irregularities and gross negligence at multiple levels.
The DM stated the operation was carried out following repeated public complaints, and the findings confirmed widespread violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) governing the functioning of these health facilities.
Key Findings of the Raid:
Medical staff missing: Doctors, ANMs, lab technicians, and nurses were absent in most centers.
Ghost attendance: Biometric records showed fake entries of staff who never reported for duty.
Severe medicine shortage: Basic medicines were unavailable, and patients were being asked to purchase them from outside.
Poor sanitation and infrastructure: Cleanliness was severely lacking; drinking water, toilets, and seating arrangements were in poor condition.
Lack of equipment: Essential items such as cold chain generators and deep freezers, critical for vaccination, were missing.
Biomedical waste mismanagement: Improper disposal of medical waste posed a health risk.
Lab services inadequate: Many centers lacked basic lab facilities and equipment.
Violation of MoU norms: Even minimum standards outlined in the MoU were not being met.
Administrative Action:
The DM has imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh on Akshans/Chitransh JVK Private Limited, the firm managing these centers, and has recommended termination of its contract to the Chief Secretary. A detailed three-month biometric attendance report of all staff across the 12 centers has also been summoned.
Inspection Teams and Locations:
DM Savin Bansal: Jakhan, Gandhigram
CDO Abhinav Shah: Chuna Bhatta, Adhoivala, Kargi
SDM Sadar Hari Giri: Reethamandi, Bakralwala, Khudbuda, Seemadwar
SDM HQ Apoorva Singh: Deepnagar, Majra, BS Colony
Glaring Examples of Negligence:
Chuna Bhatta PHC: Staff unaware of oxygen cylinder operation; faulty RO system; spider webs on walls.
Adhoivala PHC: No staff present; vaccination register not maintained; lab in complete disarray.
Gandhigram PHC: No water in washbasins; RO unit missing; filthy toilets.
