Amidst a severe heat wave in Delhi with record-breaking temperatures, Health Minister
Saurabh Bharadwaj has written to the Union Home Secretary, alleging that the city’s Health
Secretary, S B Deepak Kumar, went on “long leave” without permission. Bharadwaj
emphasized the crucial role of the health department in managing heat-related illnesses and
expressed surprise and concern over Kumar’s absence until July 13.
According to health department sources, Kumar was on a short leave from June 13-14 and
then attended a mid-career training program in Mussoorie from June 18 to July 13. An
official notice regarding this was reportedly sent to the health minister’s office on June 12.
Bharadwaj questioned how a state health secretary could take extended leave without the
health minister’s approval, especially during a critical heat wave. He called for strict action
against Kumar and raised concerns about the department’s functioning without its head.
The health minister also referenced a previous incident involving a fire tragedy at a neonatal
health center in May, which resulted in the deaths of seven newborns. He criticized Kumar
for failing to inform him about the incident and for not responding to calls or messages.
Bharadwaj noted that he had directed Kumar to conduct fire audits of all private nursing
homes and hospitals by June 8, but had received no updates on these directives.
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