Two woman-audiologists (names withheld) on contract at ENT department in Rajasthan's largest government hospital – SMS Hospital – have filed a written complaint against head of department Dr Pawan Singhal alleging misbehaviour, harassment and torture at workplace.
In a letter to medical education secretary Ambrish Kumar, the two audiologists have pleaded that they had been getting exploited and harassed for last 16 months since Singhal was heading the department. They alleged that Singhal, out of animosity, held their salaries for 7 months (April 2024-September-2024) just to traumatise them and force them to leave the job.
The two audiologists also alleged that mismanagement of Singhal has resulted in long pendency of audiology tests, required to diagnose and treat hearing, balance, and other neural system disorders.
“Singhal interferes with audiology tests. He breaks the queue and forcibly induct his referrals for audiology tests – sometimes tests are not needed but just to oblige his people, he inducts patients just to add on to the pendency,” said the two audiologists.
The two women also complained that Singhal keeps on threatening them on job and have received them without any reason putting them on tenterhooks.
Singhal denies allegations
Speaking to The BuckStopper.com, Singhal said that all allegations are baseless.
“They have not been doing their jobs resulting into pendency in tests. I have relieved them on account of their inefficiency. Disciplinary committees from time to time have recommended for their removal. They may approach government or court wherever they want,” he said.
Audiology machines are not calibrated
The department also gives disability certificates needed to fill seats reserved for disabled. At a time when there are instances of using fake disability certificates to get jobs, the test-accuracy of these machines becomes important.
“Machines here are not calibrated and some of them are malfunctioned. Their reports are inaccurate. Singhal, being the head of department doesn't heed to it. I know why government is not acting upon it,” they said.
Number of cochlear implant surgeries also went down
During the tenure of Singhal, the important procedure of ENT department – cochlear implant surgery has also gone down by 50 percent. In 2021-22, more than 80 implants used to happen in SMS. Now the tally has gone below 40.
“Patients prefer other hospitals including Jaipur and Bikaner government hospital as they don't have idea as to who (doctor) will perform the survey. Singhal has introduced roaster system. Neither surgeon knows whom he will be operating upon not patients are left with choice to select doctor. Since this procedure is heavily dependent of surgeon skills, patients prefer to get it done outside through doctors of their choice,” said an insider.
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