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A storm has broken out in Uttar Pradesh after a video clip went viral where the State Minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, Sanjeev Gond, directed the transfer of a government doctor just because the doctor did not "welcome" him properly on a visit to the hospital.
The concerned doctor, Dr. Ravi Singh, who is said to be physically challenged, was treating a patient at the community health center in Dilbalganj in Sonbhadra district when the minister came. In the trending video, the visibly agitated minister can be seen uttering, "Send him out… to some forest… why are you keeping people in my constituency like this?"
Minister's anger caught on camera
In the now going-around-viral clip, the minister is seen telephoning the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Sonbhadra, enquiring about the doctor's being present at the hospital, in Hindi, goes:
"Who is the main person here? Why have you kept him here? Is there no one else? His behaviour isn't right, because I came to the hospital and he does not know how to meet people."
Despite the doctor's protests, the minister continued his story, blaming him for his behavior and stating that if the doctor cannot be respectful, he should treat patients the same way. The minister insisted that the doctor should be transferred out of his constituency, and offered that he should be sent "to some jungle".
Send him outside... to some jungle... why do you keep people like this in my constituency? Send him somewhere else... He does not know how to talk to people. He may be behaving the same way with patients.
Sanjeev Gond, State Minister for Social Welfare
Political fallout and public reaction
The incident has already taken a political turn, with opposition parties like the Congress and the Samajwadi Party condemning Mr Gond's actions. They claim that the minister abused his power and tried to punish a medical professional for doing just his job.
The medical superintendent was prioritising patients and the minister was getting angry. This Uttar Pradesh government and its minister care more about protocol than the health of people. The minister is asking for the transfer of a doctor who is doing his job diligently. Such a minister should be sacked.
Akhilesh Pratap Singh, Congress Politician
Ashutosh Verma, Samajwadi Party Spokesperson, criticized:
"The ministers in the government are such that they prioritize their welcome over things that are actually important. Asking for a doctor's transfer to a jungle because you are not welcomed? The minister should have checked the facilities and whether people (at the hospital) are having any problems. But the BJP is more concerned about being welcomed, and this is a matter of concern."
Minister Attempts Damage Control
In a later media statement, Mr. Gond seemed to step back a bit. He admitted that the doctor might not have been aware of his visit.
There is an old hospital in Dibulganj. The doctor did not know I was coming. I don't think he knew, because if he did, his behavior would have been correct... I arrived on time. I have asked the Chief Medical Officer to ensure the facilities in the hospital are good because poor people go there from other areas as well. Anyone who makes poor people suffer, I will do the same to them.
Sanjeev Gond, State Minister for Social Welfare
He further stated that his concern was mainly to make sure that proper facilities were provided for poor patients who depend on the hospital. Even after his explanation, critics accused the minister of having a disproportionate response and an entitlement culture. They also emphasized that a doctor's first duty is to their patients, and not to give the red carpet treatment to VIPs.
A wider debate on priorities
The case has initiated a wider debate on the handling and standard protocol of medical professionals towards patients. Several are demanding re-prioritization, particularly in the public health sector, where the difference between a minute-to-minute can be critical.
While the video keeps making rounds on social media, public sympathy has also gone in favor of Dr. Ravi Singh, with several taking to social media to appreciate him for putting his patient ahead of political protocol.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)
