KARIMNAGAR: Nurses were caught practicing dances during their official duty hours at a government hospital in Jagtial district on Saturday, igniting widespread controversy and anger among patients.
During the Christmas celebrations, several nurses were seen doing dance rehearsals and playing Kolatam, a traditional dance, accompanied by loud music in a designated room within the hospital. The lively sounds and laughter emanating from the hospital wards disrupted the peace and disturbed patients, leading to complaints.
Affected patients lodged formal complaints with regional medical officer (RMO) Dr Suman. In response, Dr Suman clarified that he had authorised the dance practice, citing the low patient load at that particular time. “With fewer patients present, I deemed it appropriate to allow the nurses some time for recreational activities during the festive season,” Dr Suman said.
However, the situation escalated when the families of the affected patients informed authorities. Prompted by these reports, additional collector Goutham Reddy arrived at the hospital to investigate the matter.
Addressing the staff, collector Reddy sternly warned, “If any hospital staff find themselves without duties, they should return to their homes rather than waste time and neglect their responsibilities. Our primary duty is to provide uninterrupted medical services to our patients.”
He further directed the hospital superintendent to take immediate disciplinary action against the nurses. “The nurses who neglected their duties to engage in dance practices during work hours will face strict repercussions. Memos will be issued to ensure such negligence is not repeated,” collector Reddy ordered.
