Madurai: Four doctors, a pharmacist, a nurse and a hospital staff member have come under scrutiny after being accused of celebrating a New Year party inside the maternity ward of the Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sembanur while on duty. Action has been taken against them after it was found that doctors were absent when a critically injured accident patient was brought to the facility for treatment. Angered by the absence of doctors, the patient’s attendant recorded a video showing liquor bottles and food items lying scattered inside the ward and uploaded it on social media. The video quickly went viral and drew the attention of the government.In response to the incident, the District Health Officer (DHO) ordered the suspension of four doctors and a pharmacist from service, while show-cause notices were issued to a nurse and a hospital worker seeking an explanation for their conduct.Also read- Junior doctor among 3 suspended at Kanpur hospital after alive patient sent for Post-mortemThe Hindu reported that the incident occurred on the night of December 31, when a patient injured in an accident was rushed to the PHC for emergency care. Finding no doctors or staff at the reception, the patient’s attendant searched for them in the emergency and maternity wards.After entering the ward, he was reportedly shocked to find expensive imported liquor bottles, non-vegetarian food, and snacks scattered around with no medical staff. He recorded the scene on his mobile phone and shared the video on social media, where it quickly went viral.Following the incident, District Health Officer (DHO) Meenakshi conducted an inquiry and confirmed that a New Year’s Eve party involving alcohol had taken place at the PHC. Based on the findings, the DHO ordered the suspension of five staff members, including four doctors who were on night duty and a pharmacist who allegedly took part in the party.Also read- KGMU doctor suspended for alleged harassment, pressuring colleague to convert religion