The Ayushman Arogya Mandir in the Gurha area of Tarhasi block in Palamu district has become a symbol of healthcare inefficiency, with its doors frequently locked due to the absence of the appointed Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs). This situation has sparked outrage among local residents, who are forced to seek medical attention elsewhere, often at private facilities or the district headquarters, even for minor ailments.
The current ANMs, Veena Kumari and Saraswati Kumari, are reportedly negligent in their duties, leading to the persistent closure of the health center. On a recent Tuesday, the center remained locked, as both ANMs were absent. The lack of accessibility raises questions about the effectiveness and purpose of the facility.
When Gurha’s village head, Saba Firdaus, and her husband, posing as common citizens, questioned ANM Saraswati about the closures, she responded with hostility, using abusive language and challenging their right to inquire. The health center is intended to be open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, providing basic healthcare services.
The village head, who also chairs the panchayat authority committee, expressed her concern that she has not received any information from ANM Saraswati since she joined 15 days ago. The closure of the health center is particularly concerning, given the significant population of her panchayat that relies on it for both basic medical care and government-related services.
Local residents have reported that the health center only opens on vaccination days, with the ANMs taking the vaccination box and then immediately locking the facility again. The villagers claim they derive no benefit from the health center.
In response, ANM Veena Kumari cited a fast as the reason for her absence on Monday. Dr. DK Singh, the medical officer at the Community Health Center Tarhasi-Manatu, stated that both ANMs will be asked for an explanation. He added that their salaries will be withheld if their responses are unsatisfactory. He also confirmed that complaints about their absenteeism have been received and that disciplinary action will be taken if their attendance does not improve.
