A 38-year-old woman sanitary worker at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital here on Tuesday was placed under suspension for demanding Rs.1,000 from Laxmi (30) for her delivery on Sunday morning.
Laxmi left the hospital as she did not have the money and gave birth near a drain at the commercial complex of the Salem Corporation.
Dean R. Vallinayagam served the suspension order on S. Mary, a permanent employee in the Child Care Ward for the past two years.
Earlier, Collector K. Maharabushanam visited the High Dependency Ward, where Laxmi was recuperating and held a closed door inquiry.
She narrated the events that took place on Sunday, from the moment she entered the ward in labour.
She identified the woman who demanded money from her.
After the inquiry, the Collector asked the Dean to immediately issue the suspension order.
He also told Laxmi that she would be discharged in three days after she recovered fully.
Mr. Maharabushanam told reporters that about 2,500 deliveries took place in the hospital every year and all were given immediate attention and taken care.
“A few incidents such as this damaged the reputation of the hospital,” he said.
Asked about the alleged attack by employees on Laxmi, he said the inquiry was conducted into all aspects and a department inquiry would also be carried out and action would be taken.
