Inquiry ordered into performance of 'puja' in state run hosp

The Telangana Health and Medical Department today said it has ordered an inquiry into conducting of 'puja and homam (holy fire)' in the state-run Gandhi Hospital here.
A senior doctor and some of the hospital staff, two days ago, held puja seeking divine blessings for expecting mothers and new born babies.
Ramesh Reddy, Director of Medical Education, Telangana said an inquiry has been ordered.
"The superintendent of the hospital has been asked to conduct the inquiry. We are very clear that any such activity should not happen anywhere near the patient care facilities including wards.
"If it is conducted outside the hospital premises, then it is fine. But if it is done (as per media reports) near gynaecology department in the hospital or near patients and caused disturbance to them, then it is a problem," Reddy told PTI.

Gandhi Hospital deputy superintendent N Narasimha Rao said they would never encourage such practices in the hospital and a committee has been appointed to look into the issue.

He said there was no permission to conduct such activities in the hospital and action will be taken based on the report.
The woman doctor who participated in the puja justified it saying they did not use government money for it.
"The puja is for the welfare of the patients and new born babies. We have not used government's money for the puja," the doctor said.