Rourkela Govt Hospital Manager Accused of Misappropriation of Funds

Rourkela: In a recent controversy, the Manager of Rourkela Government Hospital has been accused of misappropriating funds. Following this, the hospital's in-charge director and superintendent, Dr. Das, has recommended terminating the Hospital manager, TNIE has reported.

The issue first came to light after the MLA of RN Pali DC Tanti paid a surprise visit to the hospital in June. During the inspection, the MLA pointed out several irregularities.

Apart from this, earlier in July, a team from the National Health Mission (NHM) conducted an audit of RGH affairs. Following this, Dr. Das wrote to the Director of NHM Bhubaneswar and recommended terminating the Hospital Manager Srivastava.

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As per the latest media report by The New Indian Express, writing to the NHM, Dr. Das alleged that Srivastava was involved in the misappropriation of funds worth crores of rupees concerning hospital expenses, misappropriation of government funds, and also breach of trust. Further, the Superintendent Dr. Das claimed that Srivastava was taking unauthorised leave since June 24. 

Dr. Das further mentioned in the letter that on April 24, Srivastava allegedly was involved in the theft of a high-value body storage freezer from the mortuary of the RGH which the security personnel also confirmed.

RN Pali police received a complaint in this connection. Consequently, Srivastava surrendered with bail order. As per Dr. Das, such a situation also degraded the hospital's reputation.

Meanwhile, the Daily has reported that MLA Tanti and BJP Panposh organisational district president Latika Patnaik met Dr Das on Thursday and reiterated their demands for taking an action against Srivastava. The BJP President alleged that Srivastava was involved in irregularities.

However, Srivastava has refuted such claims. Speaking to TNIE, he said, "I was neither involved nor have any knowledge about the freezer being stolen from the mortuary. I am just being made a scapegoat with false allegations."

The Daily has reported that even though Srivastava tried rejoining service on July 9, 2024, he was not allowed.

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