The Ayushman Arogya Mandir in Gurha, within the Tarhasi block of Palamu district, is facing criticism due to its frequent closures, prompting calls for clarification. The closure is attributed to the alleged negligence of the appointed ANMs, raising concerns about the facility’s effectiveness and accessibility.
The ANMs assigned to the center, Veena Kumari and Saraswati Kumari, have been consistently absent from their duties, leading to the health center remaining closed. This has forced locals to seek medical assistance elsewhere, including private hospitals and the district headquarters, even for minor ailments.
When Gurha’s head, Saba Firdaus, and her husband questioned ANM Saraswati about the closures, they were met with a hostile response, including verbal abuse. The health center is intended to provide basic medical care to the community from 10 AM to 4 PM daily.
The village head, who leads the panchayat-level authority committee, expressed her disappointment at not receiving any information from ANM Saraswati, who joined the post 15 days prior. The continued closure of the health center presents difficulties for the local population, particularly those in need of minor medical care and government-related services.
Local residents have also stated that the health center only opens for vaccination drives, with the ANMs taking the vaccination equipment and locking the facility immediately afterward. This has resulted in no benefit to the villagers.
ANM Veena Kumari stated that she was unable to attend the health center on Monday due to a fast. Dr. DK Singh, the medical officer at the Community Health Center Tarhasi-Manatu, stated that the ANMs will be asked for explanations, and their salaries will be withheld if their responses are deemed unsatisfactory. He also confirmed that complaints about their negligence and attendance have been received, and departmental action will be taken if their attendance does not improve.