There are charges against Thiruvananthapuram District Collector Geromic George that he misused his authority by calling a government doctor to his home to receive medical care. The matter was brought up by the Kerala Government Medical Officers' Association (KGMOA), who expressed worry over what they witnessed as an abuse of power.
The incident reportedly occurred last Saturday when the collector, allegedly suffering from a nail fungal infection, requested medical assistance at his home through the District Medical Officer (DMO). Despite a significant number of patients at the outpatient counter of the district general hospital, a doctor was being forced to attend to the collector's medical demand at his residence.
The KGMOA criticized the claimed action, asserting that it was unacceptable for the collector to prioritize his personal medical treatment over the needs of patients awaiting medical attention at the hospital. They underscored the gravity of the situation, indicating that such behavior could set a detrimental precedent and undermine public trust in the healthcare system.
According to the association, the demand for home treatment was initially discouraged by the DMO, but subsequent insistence from the collector reportedly led to the doctor being dispatched to the collector's residence. This illegal influence of the DMO further intensifies concerns regarding the misuse of authority.
The controversy has accumulated significant attention, triggering Chief Secretary V Venu to request a report from the Principal Secretary (Health), Mohammed Hanish. The KGMOA's complaint against the district collector has spurred official inquiry, with the report expected to be submitted by Monday. The outcome of this investigation may lead to appropriate actions being taken in response to the allegations.
The collector's unwillingness to provide a statement on the matter increases the interest surrounding the controversy and raises numerous questions regarding the circumstances and intentions surrounding the suspected abuse of authority. The fact that the person who is accused has not responded highlights how serious the charges are and how urgently a thorough inquiry is required to discover the truth. The chief secretary's inquiry's findings are likely to impact how this situation is handled in the future and what steps should be taken.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)
