LG strips Tarun Seem who piloted Mohalla Clinic of DGHS charge

Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung has stripped senior officer Tarun Seem of his charge as the director general of health services, a move that may trigger further confrontation between the AAP government and the LG.

Seem, who took over as the DGHS October last and was piloting the AAP government's ambitious 'Mohalla Clinic' project, was relieved of his "temporary" charge yesterday.

"Dr Tarun Seem, presently looking after the charge of director general of health services on temporary basis, is relieved of his charge as DGHS with immediate effect," said an order issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare after Lt Governor's nod.

Sources said the move was taken as he had delayed printing of information and education material for awareness about malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

However, Seem today denied the allegation, saying, "his record as been without a fault."
The officer is currently in charge of Delhi State Health Mission.

The order stated that "Dr Beena Khurana, CMO (SAG), shall look after the charge till a regular incumbent is posted."

Seem, a 1992-batch IRS officer, is said to be close to Delhi Health Satyendar Jain who had lauded him for leading the 'Mohalla Clinic' project, a pet scheme of Arvind Kejriwal government for providing affordable, high quality healthcare to people near their residence.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia had earlier slammed Jung for removing the senior officer as the Delhi Health Secretary.