The Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Gurha, Tarhasi block, Palamu, is consistently found locked, prompting concerns and calls for accountability. The persistent closures are due to the alleged negligence of the Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) assigned to the facility. This has left local residents with limited access to basic healthcare, forcing them to seek treatment at private hospitals or travel to the district headquarters.
Veena Kumari and Saraswati Kumari are the two ANMs currently posted at the Ayushman Arogya Mandir. However, both have a history of absenteeism, resulting in the health center remaining shut. On a recent Tuesday, the center was closed due to the absence of both ANMs.
Saba Firdaus, the head of Gurha, and her husband, acting as ordinary citizens, questioned ANM Saraswati about the closures. In response, Saraswati became agitated, using abusive language and challenging their right to inquire about her presence at the health center. The health center is supposed to be open from 10 AM to 4 PM daily, providing basic medical services to the community.
The village head, who is the chairperson of the panchayat-level authority committee, mentioned that she has not received any information from ANM Saraswati, who joined 15 days ago. The health center’s consistent closure is a source of disappointment, given the large population in her panchayat that depends on it for minor treatments and government-related services.
Residents reported that the health center only opens on vaccination days, with the ANMs taking the vaccination box and then locking the facility. They receive no benefit from the center.
ANM Veena Kumari stated that she was unable to attend the health center on Monday because she was observing a fast. Dr. DK Singh, the medical officer at the Community Health Center Tarhasi-Manatu, stated that explanations will be sought from both ANMs. He added that their salaries would be withheld if the explanations are unsatisfactory. Complaints regarding their negligence and attendance have been received, and departmental action will be taken if their attendance does not improve.