Social Activist Ups Ante Over ‘Mobile Ban’ at Surat NCH

Surat : Sanjay Ezhawa, a social activist  has written a formal complaint to the Chief Minister of Gujarat and the Minister of Health and Family Welfare, expressing his concerns regarding certain practices at the New Civil Hospital (NCH) in Surat.

Ezhawa claims that hospital officials are participating in suspicious behaviour, such as requiring visitors to deposit their phones and illegally collecting money from patients in the pretext of contributions.

Sanjay Ezhawa, a well-known personality in the area of social activism, has been noted for his unwavering efforts to solve numerous concerns impacting the welfare of residents. His most recent complaint sheds light on certain inconsistencies he witnessed during his visit to the New Civil Hospital.

Ezhawa’s allegation hinges around two primary points. First, he claims that persons visiting the NCH and wishing to speak with the Medical Superintendent are obliged to leave their cell phones outside the office, a practise he feels is illegal. Furthermore, Ezhawa has expressed worry about the illicit collecting of money from patients visiting the NCH for medical check-ups, where they are urged to give donations of Rs 10,000 and are handed receipts in the name of Rogi Kalyan Samiti.

Sanjay Ezhawa’s personal experience at the NCH served as the impetus for his complaint. During his appointment for a medical checkup, he was requested to make the gift, which he declined. Furthermore, when he wanted to speak with the Medical Superintendent, he was not permitted to enter her office with his cell phone. Mobile phones have been prohibited for visits to the Medical Superintendent’s office, according to the information presented to him.

In reaction to these charges, Dr. Dharitri Parmar, Medical Superintendent at NCH, affirmed that guests are not permitted to enter her office with their personal cell phones. She did not, however, address the claims of unlawful cash collecting at the hospital.

According to Ezhawa’s complaint, on October 18, 2022, the NCH medical superintendent issued an order prohibiting the “Use of Mobile Phones in the Office.” The directive expressly said that “outside persons shall switch off their mobile phones or deposit them with the P.A.” It must be placed and entered.” Notably, there was no mention of the government’s provision of power to the Medical Superintendent to make such directives.

Ezhawa said, “I have filed RTI applications regarding the ban on mobile phones in government offices, but there is no information provided by the government authorising such a ban.” Citizens’ basic rights are being violated by these government officials. Citizens have the right to make representations to authorities in any government agency. No officer may refuse to hear a citizen’s petition because the petitioner is carrying a cell phone.”