The Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Gurha, under the Tarhasi block of Palamu district, consistently remains locked. This situation, attributed to the negligence of the appointed ANMs, raises questions about the center’s purpose. Local residents are frustrated, as they are forced to rely on private hospitals or the district headquarters for minor medical treatments.
Two ANMs, Veena Kumari and Saraswati Kumari, are currently assigned to the Ayushman Arogya Mandir. However, they are frequently absent from their duties, leading to the health center’s persistent closure. Even on Tuesday, the center was locked due to the absence of both ANMs.
When Gurha’s head, Saba Firdaus, and her husband, posing as ordinary citizens, inquired about the situation with ANM Saraswati, she became irate, verbally abusing them and questioning their right to ask about her presence. The health center is mandated to be open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily to provide basic medical care to the local population.
The village head has stated that despite being the head of the authority committee at the panchayat level, she has not received any information from ANM Saraswati, who joined 15 days prior. With a large population residing in her panchayat area, the health center is essential for minor treatments and government-related work. However, the constant closure causes disappointment.
Villagers have reported that the health center only opens on vaccination days when the ANMs take out the vaccination box and then lock up again. The villagers receive no benefit from the health center.
In response, ANM Veena Kumari explained that she couldn’t attend the center on Monday because she was fasting. Dr. DK Singh, the medical officer of the Community Health Center Tarhasi-Manatu, confirmed that explanations will be sought from both ANMs. Disciplinary action, including a salary hold, will be taken if the explanations are unsatisfactory. The authorities are also receiving complaints about their negligence and attendance. Further departmental action will be taken if their attendance does not improve.
