Srinagar, Dec 09 (KNS): The authorities on Thursday suspended a dental assistant posted at PHC Godufalal area of Kathua district for unauthorisedly doing private practice at his clinic during office hours.

An official told Kashmir News Service (KNS) that dental assistant, Munish Kumar posted at PHC Godufalal was placed under suspension by director health services Jammu till pending enquiry.

“The official was placed under suspension on the basis of a complaint that he has opened an illegal dental clinic opposite Tehsil Office Billawar, where he is fleecing gullible dental patients by charging huge sum of money and practising during duty hours,” he said.

He said that the Additional Chief Sectetary H&ME while taking note of the complaint deputed a team from Civil Secretariat Jammu to PHC Godufalal Billawar, where the official was found absent from duties and operating the said dental clinic.

“All the books of account and the CCTV coverage seized from the clinic have suggested that the official was doing this Illegal practise unauthorisedly without the requisite license during working hours,” the official said.

Meanwhile, ACS H&ME said that such conduct of government officials in the Health Sector shall not be tolerated and strict action shall be taken against those employees who are found to be indulging in private practise during working hours illegally.

He cautioned the medical and para-medical workers that employees who indulge in such a practise are putting a dent on the overall image of the medical fraternity who have been working hard for rendering patient care of high quality to the people of J&K.

He further said that strict action shall be taken against such people which may include termination from services. (KNS)