Betrayal of Trust: Akhnoor Hospital Rocked by Staff Theft Scandal

Employee Caught Stealing Equipment, Raises Concerns About Widespread Theft and Administrative Negligence

• A Employee at SDH Akhnoor has been caught on CCTV stealing hospital equipment and other items, prompting an internal inquiry.
• The BMO has formed a three-doctor committee to investigate the theft, which occurred on December 23, 2024, and was reported on December 26, 2024.
•  This incident follows a previous theft complaint filed by the BMO with the police, suggesting a pattern of theft within the hospital and raising concerns about lax security and administrative oversight.
•  The accused employee alleges that other staff members are also involved in stealing from the hospital, raising the possibility of widespread theft and a culture of impunity within SDH Akhnoor.

jj correspondent
Akhnoor, Dec 29: A shocking incident at Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH) Akhnoor has exposed potential widespread theft and administrative negligence within the facility. A hospital employee, has been caught on CCTV stealing equipment and other items, raising serious questions about the security of public property and the accountability of hospital staff.
The theft, which occurred on December 23, 2024, came to light after a complaint was filed with Block Medical Officer (BMO) Akhnoor on December 26, 2024. The BMO promptly constituted a three-member inquiry committee, comprising Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Sunil Raina, and Dr. Vikrant, to investigate the matter.
BMO Akhnoor confirmed the complaint and the formation of the inquiry committee, stating that a detailed report is expected within four days. He assured that appropriate action will be taken based on the committee’s findings.
Dr. Sunil Raina, a member of the inquiry committee, informed Jammu Jottings that the committee, delayed due to weekend leave and other official duties, will begin its investigation on Monday by interviewing the accused identified in the CCTV footage. He assured a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the alleged theft.
This incident raises several disturbing questions:
How could a government employee, entrusted with the care and maintenance of the hospital, steal from the very institution he serves?
Does this incident point to a larger problem of theft and lax security within SDH Akhnoor?
What measures will the administration take to prevent future thefts and ensure the security of hospital equipment and property?
Sources have revealed a previous theft complaint filed by the BMO with the police, which is currently under investigation. This suggests a pattern of theft within the hospital, raising concerns about the administration’s awareness of the problem and the effectiveness of previous actions taken to address it.
Shockingly, the accused employee, caught on CCTV, has reportedly claimed that other staff members are also involved in regular theft from the hospital. This allegation, if true, exposes a systemic problem of corruption and a complete disregard for ethical conduct within the institution.
The public demands answers. Will the administration conduct a thorough investigation into all past and present theft cases at SDH Akhnoor? Will those found guilty face appropriate consequences, regardless of their position within the hospital? Or will this incident, like others before it, be swept under the carpet?
The silence of CMO , who did not respond to Jammu Jottings’ attempts to seek comment, raises further concerns about the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The people of Akhnoor deserve a hospital where public property is protected, and employees uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct. The government must act decisively to address this issue and restore public trust in the integrity of the healthcare system.