Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Jan 12(KNS): In a significant move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted patient care in 24×7 health institutions, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Bandipora has issued a strict circular directing all health employees to comply with assigned night duty rosters in the larger public interest.

The action comes amid growing concerns over repeated refusal by some staff members, particularly Female Multipurpose Health Workers (FMPHWs), to perform night duties at key health facilities in the district.

According to the circular issued by the CMO Bandipora on January 8, it has been reported through Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) that several employees deployed in various health institutions were denying legitimate duties, especially night shifts.

The CMO termed such conduct as a serious breach of discipline, warning that non-compliance would invite strict disciplinary action under relevant service rules, including suspension, withholding of increments and initiation of major penalty proceedings.

While acknowledging that as per existing job profiles and earlier orders FMPHWs (Regular, 2211 and NHM) are generally exempted from night duties, the CMO clarified that due to acute staff shortage and considering practices followed in other districts, their services are being temporarily utilised for night rosters in 24×7 institutions purely in the interest of patient care. It was further directed that national programmes and family welfare services should not suffer, and alternative arrangements must be ensured by concerned DDOs.

The issue gained further seriousness in Health Block Hajin, where the Block Medical Officer (BMO) reported persistent non-compliance by certain FMPHWs at CHC Sumbal and CHC Hajin. In an official communication to the CMO Bandipora, the BMO stated that some Family Welfare staff were not only refusing night duties but were also allegedly provoking other staff members to do the same, leading to indiscipline, staff unrest and disruption of essential health services.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Despite repeated instructions and the issuance of duty rosters well in advance, several employees allegedly failed to report for night duties. The BMO Hajin subsequently wrote to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sumbal, highlighting deliberate non-compliance by named staff members and seeking intervention for initiating stringent action to maintain discipline and ensure uninterrupted public health services.

Following this, show-cause and explanation notices were issued by the BMO Hajin to multiple employees, including FMPHWs and a staff nurse, for failing to attend assigned night duties on different dates in January. The notices state that despite telephonic reminders and even arranging ambulances for pick-up from their residences, the employees did not report for duty, resulting in the disruption of emergency and maternal health services and causing embarrassment to the administration.

The employees have been directed to submit their individual written explanations within 24 hours, failing which disciplinary action under the relevant service rules will be initiated ex parte.

Health officials have reiterated that patient care, especially during night hours, cannot be compromised under any circumstances and have warned that no leniency will be shown in cases of willful disobedience of lawful orders. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth functioning of health institutions across Bandipora.(KNS)