Sepahijala:A visit to the Sepahijala District Health Officer’s office during working hours on Thursday revealed a stark picture of irregular attendance among staff, raising questions over discipline and accountability at the office.
Footage captured during the visit showed employees arriving at the office at varying times, seemingly at their own convenience, rather than adhering to a fixed reporting schedule. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was found to be on leave at the time, while Dr. Deep Debbarma, who is currently holding charge, could not be located in the office either.
The visit has brought into focus what appears to be a lack of uniform discipline in office timing, with employees apparently following different schedules despite government circulars meant to regulate attendance. The absence of senior officials, including the officer-in-charge, on a working day has added to concerns over functioning at the office, which serves as a key administrative point for healthcare services in the district.
The findings have raised questions about supervision and accountability within the department, with observers noting that such lapses could affect the office’s responsiveness to public health needs in the district. There was no immediate response available from the office regarding the observations.