UP: Pharmacist sacked for charging ₹1 extra
A contractual employee at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in eastern Uttar Pradesh has been dismissed from his job for allegedly overcharging patients. The pharmacist, identified as Sanjay, was reportedly charging ₹2 instead of the stipulated fee of ₹1. His dismissal followed an unannounced inspection by local Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Prem Sagar Patel at the Jagdaur CHC on Monday.
MLA's surprise inspection leads to pharmacist's dismissal
The Siswa legislator conducted the surprise inspection following complaints from the public about irregularities at the state-run health facility. During his visit, he discovered that patients were allegedly being overcharged for prescriptions by Sanjay. Videos of Patel's inspection and his interaction with Sanjay have since surfaced on social media. In one clip, Patel is heard reprimanding Sanjay, saying, "How dare you charge one rupee more from the poor patients?"
Health department confirms termination of pharmacist's services
Later, the District Health Department officials confirmed that Sanjay's services had been terminated due to his involvement in overcharging patients. "The services of the employee involved in overcharging have been terminated," Additional Chief Medical Officer Rajendra Prasad told PTI. In another video clip from Patel's inspection, he is heard telling CHC staff that he understands what "poverty and helplessness" feel like since he also comes from a village.
MLA uncovers additional issues at health facility
"There is no need for you to explain to me what was going on. I know it," the BJP MLA told the staff. In addition to the overcharging incident, Patel also uncovered other issues at the Jagdaur CHC during his inspection. These included alleged delays in receiving government aid for childbirth, the absence of female doctors at night, and the practice of prescribing medicines from external medical stores.
