A sanitation worker attached to a government hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli district has been suspended after a shocking video of her emerged, showing her repeatedly kicking and verbally abusing a patient admitted to the hospital. As the video began making rapid rounds online, an intense uproar ensued, prompting swift disciplinary action by the state’s health department.

The clip shows the woman employee kicking the patient nearly 10 times within just 35 seconds while hurling expletives. The footage drew widespread criticism, with many terming the incident ‘an appalling example of inhumane treatment towards a vulnerable patient.’ 

Action taken after video goes viral online

Following the rapid circulation of the video, the district hospital administration launched disciplinary proceedings against the employee, after receiving directives from Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, as per a report by news agency PTI. 

Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Pushpendra Kumar identified the employee as Pinky, who was employed as a sweeper at the district hospital. 

Hospital authorities told the media that her alleged conduct amounted to a violation of the Employee Conduct Rules, 1956. Additionally, disciplinary proceedings have also been initiated against her under the UP Government Servants (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999, the report claimed. 

Pending the inquiry’s outcome, Pinky has been suspended. Officials have also attached her to the AYUSH outpatient department (OPD) during the course of the probe.

3-member panel to spearhead probe

As per sources, the hospital administration has constituted a three-member committee to investigate the incident and submit its findings. Orthopaedic consultant Dr Dinesh Pratap Saroj, Microbiologist Dr Richa, and sister-matron Sushma Yadav are members of the committee. 

Strict warning issued to health officials

In light of the incident, UP’s Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health), Amit Kumar Ghosh, directed chief medical officers across the state to ensure strict compliance with service conduct rules by all healthcare staff. 

He underscored that patients must be treated with dignity and compassion, warning that any instance of misconduct, abuse or inhumane behaviour towards patients would attract stringent action. The state government’s directives seek to reinforce accountability within public healthcare institutions and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.