Maharashtra civic body removes Medical Health Officer amid mounting complaints and controversies

ULHASNAGAR: In a significant administrative move, Ulhasnagar Municipal Commissioner Manisha Awhale has withdrawn the charge of Medical Health Officer (MHO) from Dr Mohini Haresh Dharma, citing serious deficiencies in the functioning of the health department and concerns over supervision, cleanliness management, record maintenance, allegations of corruption and implementation of public health programmes.The action follows an inspection conducted by the municipal administration on May 19, during which officials reportedly found the condition of several urban primary health centres unsatisfactory. According to the official order issued by the commissioner, shortcomings were observed in basic infrastructure, sanitation, maintenance of registers, medicine stock records and overall management of health facilities.The order further notes that despite health services being a critical public responsibility, the department allegedly failed to ensure proper utilisation of medicines and equipment supplied by the government and the civic body. The administration also expressed concern over the implementation of public health schemes, including programmes linked to the National Health Mission and maternal health initiatives.Adding to the controversy, the order references complaints received regarding statements allegedly made by local MLA Kumar Ailani, who had accused Dr Dharma of demanding money from doctors in the city. The civic administration described the allegations as serious and noted that they had created resentment among sections of the medical fraternity. According to the order, there were reports that doctors’ associations had even discussed the possibility of agitation and suspension of medical services over the issue.The commissioner stated that considering the overall situation and administrative concerns, Dr Dharma would no longer continue as Medical Health Officer. The additional charge has been handed over temporarily to Dr Satyam Gupta, Tuberculosis Officer of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation, until further orders.The development has reignited demands from citizens and activists for a comprehensive departmental inquiry into the functioning of the health department during Dr Dharma’s tenure. Activists have sought an examination of administrative decisions, implementation of health schemes, expenditure, procurement processes and all complaints received by the civic administration.Among those raising concerns is activist Satyajit Burman, who had earlier alleged that Dr Dharma’s appointment in the municipal corporation in 2019 was irregular. Burman claimed that she was appointed through a municipal resolution despite being 50 years and 11 months old at the time, which he alleged violated eligibility norms.Significantly, Burman claimed that when he sought details of the appointment process and requested copies of the relevant appointment file from the municipal corporation, civic officials informed him that records pertaining to Dr Dharma’s appointment were not available with the corporation. Burman argued that the absence of the appointment file further strengthened his allegations regarding irregularities in the recruitment process and raised questions about transparency and record maintenance within the administration. However, despite the allegations and complaints submitted to various authorities, no action has so far been taken against Dr Dharma in connection with the appointment-related issues.