Mysuru: Mysuru district health authorities have relieved Mellahalli primary health centre (PHC) medical officer Dr Anil Kumar of duty and recommended disciplinary action against him following social media posts allegedly showing him in an inebriated state and smoking on the PHC campus.Confirming the action, Mysuru district health officer (DHO) Dr PC Kumaraswamy told TOI that Dr Anil Kumar has been directed to report to the health commissioner in Bengaluru. He said the health department initiated disciplinary proceedings after the doctor allegedly created a disturbance while consuming alcohol during duty hours, and that immediate action was ordered once the matter came to light.Stating that indiscipline would not be tolerated under any circumstances, Dr Kumaraswamy said doctors and health staff must discharge their responsibilities with social commitment while delivering healthcare services, adding that any conduct contrary to this principle would invite strict disciplinary measures.The DHO said alternative arrangements have been made at the Mellahalli PHC, and another medical officer has been posted to ensure that public health services continue without disruption.According to him, Dr Anil Kumar has been serving at the PHC for the last three years and has been in govt service for 15 years. He said the doctor’s behaviour had changed in recent times due to family-related issues and that the department had attempted counselling to bring him back to the mainstream, but it did not yield results.
