Malda CMOH removed

MALDA , Sept. 21: The state health department issued a notice on 19 September, removing Dr Gopal Sarkar from the post of chief medical officer of health, Malda, following allegations of financial irregularities against him, a district official said here today. It was alleged that Dr Sarkar had directed the officials concerned to buy medicines worth Rs 1.70 crore, keeping the district administration in the dark. State health minister Dr Surya Kanta Misra had ordered a probe against Dr Sarkar after receiving several complaints against him. It was also alleged that Dr Sarkar had issued fresh licenses, besides renewing the contract of the existing private nursing homes and pathological centres in the district, violating the norms of Clinical Establishment Act. Investigations revealed that at least 150 applications were pending at Dr Sarkar’s disposal, but the clinics were allowed to run their businesses without any license. Malda DM, Mr Chittaranjan Das, has expressed his surprise over Dr Sarkar’s acts. “I have heard of the medicine purchase order, but it is surprising that he gave the order without the knowledge of the district health committee,” he said n SNS