Udupi: Junior health assistant of Brahmavar health centre consumed poison in an attempt to kill himself, alleging harassment at the hands of the chief medical officer of the centre. The person who took this extreme step has been identified as Nagaraj M E (24). He is currently being treated at the intensive care unit of Manipal Hospital.
Nagaraj had joined the health centre three months ago. He consumed some tablets and bleaching powder in his room on the night of October 10. Although he attended his duties the next morning, he fell seriously sick during the office hours and was rushed to a local private hospital. He has since been admitted into KMC Hospital at Manipal for further treatment.
Brahmavar community health centre's chief medical officer, Dr Mahesh Aithal, allegedly was harassing M E Nagaraj, duly passing comments like he is unfit for work. There have been several complaints against Dr Mahesh Aithal and that the department has not been taking any action against him. He is alleged to be harassing staff members under him and complaints sent to deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis did not have the desired effect.
District health office, Rohini, said that memo had earlier been issued to Nagaraj for inefficiency. She said that prima facie it has been found that the medical officer did not intend to harass the employee concerned. She said that departmental inquiry would be undertaken relating to this incident.
