A hospital sanitation worker in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli has been suspended after a disturbing video allegedly showing her repeatedly assaulting and abusing a patient went viral, prompting widespread public outrage and swift action from the state health department.
The viral clip purportedly shows the employee kicking the patient nearly 10 times within a span of 35 seconds while also verbally abusing him. The incident drew sharp criticism online, with officials condemning the behaviour as inhumane.
Acting on the directions of Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, the district hospital administration initiated disciplinary proceedings against the employee, PTI reported.
Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Pushpendra Kumar identified the employee as Pinky, who worked as a sweeper at the district hospital.
According to officials, her conduct violated the Employee Conduct Rules, 1956. Proceedings have also been initiated under the Uttar Pradesh Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999, the PTI report said.
Pending the inquiry, Pinky has been placed under suspension and attached to the AYUSH outpatient department of the district hospital.
A three-member committee has been constituted to carry out a time-bound departmental probe. The panel comprises orthopaedic consultant Dr Dinesh Pratap Saroj, microbiologist Dr Richa, and sister-matron Sushma Yadav.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Amit Kumar Ghosh has directed chief medical officers across Uttar Pradesh to ensure strict adherence to service conduct rules. He warned that any instance of mistreatment or inhumane behaviour towards patients would invite stringent action., PTI report added.
(With inputs from PTI)