Journalism of Courage
The ongoing face-off between NCP leaders and PCMC chief Shrikar Pardeshi seems to have intensified,with the latter issuing showcause notices to two top civic officials,who allegedly accompanied MLA Laxman Jagtap to Aundh chest hospital that witnessed an unseemly brawl. Jagtap has decided to take up the issue with Deputy CM Ajit Pawar,debunking Pardeshis action and seeking ouster of the Aundh hospital chief.
On Thursday,PCMC chief had issued showcause notices to Dr Anil Roy and YCMH medical superintendent M M Deshmukh after they were reportedly present at the Aundh hospital that witnessed a brawl between Jagtap and the hospital staff.
The two officials had gone to Aundh as the hospital staff had apparently refused to give them information regarding the availability of anti-snake venom that has increasingly become necessary at PCMC hospitals.
When the officials had enquired over phone about the availability of anti-snake venom,the hospital staff refused to give any information. They said they will have to visit the hospital to get the details. So the officials had gone there, said a PCMC medical official.
When contacted,Jagtap maintained that the two civic officials had not accompanied him to the Aundh hospital. They had gone there on their own accord after they were denied information. I am told that PCMC hospitals had run out of ARVs,and snake-bite cases coming in to civic hospitals are on the rise.
Is it a crime if the two had gone to the Aundh hospital to seek details of this serious health issue? asked Jagtap,expressing strong disapproval of the showcause notices issued by the PCMC chief.
Instead of complaining to the government about the arrogant behaviour of the Aundh hospital staff,Jagtap said,Pardeshi is targeting officials who were doing their duty. I am going to take this up with the Deputy CM and also raise the issue on the floor of the Assembly. I want the Aundh hospital chief sacked and the showcause notices against the civic officials withdrawn, he added.
The contents of Pardeshis showcause notice have surprised politicians and activists alike. The notice read: Why did the two officials go to Aundh hospital without seeking his permission.
Officials cant take even one step forward without Pardeshis permission even when it comes to serious health issues? It is surprising…Pardeshi should stand by his officials and not cave under pressure, remarked activist D G Baliga.
Supporting Pardeshis action,Shiv Sena leader Shrirang Barne said: If the officials had not sought permission,then they have erred.
However,Pardeshi said he had issued the notices after the health secretary questioned him on the two officials visit to the Aundh hospital. I was asked whether the two had sought my permission…, he said.
The Pardeshi-led PCMC administration and the ruling NCP have been at loggerheads since the former started his drive against illegal constructions,refusing to cave under pressure from any quarters.
