Rampur (HP), May 2 (PTI) Allegations of negligence over tuberculosis (TB) infection among students, poor quality food and gross financial irregularities have surfaced at a government nursing college in Rampur subdivision of Shimla district.
On Saturday, parents of students -- who mostly come from Bilaspur, Ani, Karsog, and Rampur areas -- submitted a memorandum to Medical Superintendent Roshan Lal Kaundal, demanding an impartial inquiry into the allegations, and seeking immediate removal or transfer of the institute's principal.
The parents have flagged serious deficiencies in the functioning of the government nursing institute -- located in the Mahatma Gandhi Medical Service Complex at Khaneri near Rampur -- alleging negligence in its handling of TB infection among some students.
According to the parents, some trainee nurses at the institute were found infected with TB. Instead of isolating them or providing special treatment, they were kept with other students, increasing the risk of spread.
"My daughter did not receive timely treatment and care, and now has to undergo treatment in Shimla," said the mother of a student.
Last month, following complaints over irregularities at the institute, Rampur Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Harsh Amrendra Singh conducted an inquiry into the matter.
The probe revealed that the trainee nurses were not being provided proper, nutritious meals and poor diet was cited as a major reason behind illness among many students.
The SDM's report, sent to higher authorities, listed 20 improprieties, including accommodation of more students in a single room than its capacity would permit, assigning trainee nurses odd duties like chasing monkeys at the gate and preparing food in the mess, and ignoring health and safety standards.
The most serious issue pertains to financial irregularities. It is alleged that around Rs 38 lakh is collected annually from trainee nurses under the head of food-related expenses, but no written records or accounts are maintained. Funds collected from trainees were restricted to cash transactions only, with no digital payments allowed, and no transparent record of expenditure available.
The findings raised serious questions about the functioning of the institution.
Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent Roshan Lal Kaundal said the matter is being taken seriously after receiving the complaints, and improvements are being implemented in a phased manner.
Parents and local representatives have termed the issue serious and demanded the registration of an FIR against those responsible along with a high-level investigation.
Youth Congress leader Pawan Singh Chauhan said the matter will be raised before the government.
BJP leader Kaul Negi said not issuing a tender for mess operations since 2009, repeatedly assigning work to a single individual, and maintaining no record raises serious questions.
Alleging a conspiracy, the acting principal of the institute said attempts are being made to falsely implicate her, and such fabricated allegations are brought whenever she goes on a long leave.