An IAS officer conducted an undercover inspection at a government health center in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, posing as a patient wearing a veil. The officer, Kriti Raj, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the area, took this action after receiving complaints about patient inconveniences.
“I had received a complaint regarding the Dida Mai health center that the doctor was not present even after 10 am to administer an injection for a dog bite,” Raj said.
Raj revealed that she anonymously visited the health center, took an appointment, and spoke with the doctor, finding his behavior unprofessional.
“I went there anonymously in a veil. I sought an appointment and spoke with the doctor. The doctor’s behavior was not appropriate,” she stated.
During her inspection, Raj noted discrepancies in staff attendance, with some absent despite their signatures in the register. She also found that around half of the medicine stock was expired and that cleanliness and hygiene were lacking.
“Even injections were not being given properly. The staff were not working with the motive to serve people,” Raj observed.
Regarding action against the health center officials, Raj mentioned, “We have taken note of all these and we will investigate,” adding that they will be sending them a report.
Visuals from the inspection showed SDM Kriti Raj standing in a veil at the hospital with other patients and checking and segregating stocks of medicine from the pharmacy.