The Ernakulam District Medical Officer on Monday informed the Kerala High Court that no shortage of medicine was noticed during inspection at Maharaja’s Government Hospital, Karuvelipady.
However, DMO Haseena Muhammed added that she found that there were some lapses on the part of the Superintendent in maintaining the attendance of medical officers properly. It was the responsibility of the Superintendent in looking after the day-to-day functioning of the hospital. There was laxity on the part of the Superintendent in arranging duty since leave was granted to many of the doctors on the same day.
DMO pointed out that a memo had been issued to the physician who was absent from duty on the pretext of availing casual leave, compensatory holiday, night off and weekly off without obtaining permission from the Superintendent.
The DMO made the submissions in a report filed after inspecting the hospital on a directive of the court.
According to the report, the sanctioned strength of doctors was 15. Of which, four doctors were appointed on contract basis while one was on a working arrangement from Taluk Hospital, Palluruthy.
During her visit on July 6, five doctors were on casual leave, one doctor was night off and the other on pre-night off.
