Duty doctor, two staff at UPHC in Ranipet suspended for absence during work hours

The Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH&PM) of the Tamil Nadu government has suspended three staffers, including a duty doctor, of the Upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre (UPHC) at Melvisharam near Arcot town in Ranipet on Wednesday (June 25, 2025) for being absent during working hours.

The order comes after Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma. Subramanian made a surprise visit to the centre around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, during which he found that no staff, including the duty doctor, nurse, and other employees, were present. As per norms, a PHC functions between 8 a.m and 3 p.m. on all days except Sundays. He interacted with a few patients, including an expectant mother, who was waiting for the doctor at the centre.

Health officials said that besides suspending the three staff members, a show cause notice has been issued to Arcot Block Medical Officer (BMO), seeking an explanation for the absence of duty staff at the centre.

As per norms, the BMO is responsible to ensure the timely attendance of medical staff and field workers at health centres in the district. The show cause notice was issued by the Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS).