DEHRADUN: Taking serious note of the disturbing incident in which a young man's body was shifted to the mortuary in an e-rickshaw at Ramnagar Sub-District Hospital, Uttarakhand Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar has ordered a probe by a three-member high-level committee.
The Health Department took serious cognisance of the issue after the incident surfaced on social media and gained local attention. Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar strongly condemned the occurrence, terming it "highly objectionable."
Speaking to TNIE, Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar stated, "The inquiry committee will be headed by the Director General of Medical Health, while the other two members will be the Director of Administration and the Director of Health, Kumaon Division. The committee has been instructed to submit its investigation report by May 30."
The Health Secretary has also directed the Chief Medical Officer of Nainital and the Chief Medical Superintendent of Ramnagar Sub-District Hospital to submit a detailed report by May 26. He further clarified that the investigation must ascertain why a hearse or ambulance facility was not available at the Sub-District Hospital.
Expressing deep displeasure over the incident, Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said, "Strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty in this incident. The CMO has been directed to take all necessary steps to ensure that such an incident does not recur in the future."
He further emphasised, "It is our moral and constitutional responsibility that every individual, whether alive or deceased, receives service and treatment with dignity." He added that the probe would specifically investigate why a hearse vehicle was not available and who was responsible for this lapse.
The Health Secretary has also instructed Chief Medical Officers across all districts of the state to ensure the availability of hearse vehicles in their respective areas and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. He concluded, "Our priority is not just limited to treatment, but it is also our responsibility to maintain dignity even in the tragic situation of the final journey."