PHC doctor, driver suspended for misappropriation of Rs 12 lk

A doctor and a driver of a primary health centre in the district were today suspended for allegedly misappropriating around Rs 12 lakh meant for poor women under a maternity benefit scheme, officials said.
"Dr Arthanari and Sivaraman, a jeep driver, of Karipatty Primary Health Centre were suspended and a criminal complaint lodged with police against them for diverting about Rs 12 lakh under the Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Maternity Benefit Scheme," Deputy Director of Health Dr Jayadeshkumar told PTI.
Under the scheme, financial assistance of Rs 12,000 is given in three instalments to women from poor families in order to compensate the wage loss during pregnancy, to get nutritious food and to avoid low birth weight babies.

However, instead of depositing the amount in the accounts of the actual beneficiaries, it was diverted to the account of the wife of the driver with the collusion of Dr Arthanari, he said.
Following complaints, the two were transferred and an inquiry found a sum of Rs 11.98 lakh had been misappropriated.
Both the doctor and the driver were suspended today as per the order of the Director of Health.