Araria civil surgeon axed for anomalies

ARARIA: The state health department has suspended Araria civil surgeon Dr Madan Mohan Singh with immediate effect. He will report in the office of the regional deputy director, Bhagalpur, during the suspension period. Dr A P Singh has been made Araria civil surgeon.
Araria DM Prashant Kumar CH said Dr Madan has been suspended through a letter issued by deputy secretary in health department Vivekanand Thakur for alleged anomalies in the purchase of 200 beds for Covid isolation centres in the district.
According to sources, the DM had sought explanation from Dr Madan for not showing interest in taking preventive measures as per the guideline and also for purchasing masks and sanitisers. When asked to submit details, Dr Madan showed all masks and sanitisers distributed. Sensing foul play in the purchase of masks and other items, including beds, the DM had asked deputy development commissioner (DDC) to examine the details and submit a report.
The DDC found that around 200 beds worth Rs40 lakh were purchased by Dr Madan without getting any approval either from the district health committee or the DM office. Sources said neither any bidding process was initiated for purchase of the beds nor prices of the items were fixed by the purchasing committee of the district health committee or the DM.
On the basis of the DDC inquiry, the DM wrote to the health department on July 22 regarding the matter. “The health department has issued suspension order and asked Dr Madan to report to health department’s regional deputy director at Bhagalpur,” the DM said.