Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Jagdish Prasad, who earlier had proceeded on an "earned leave" for 15 days due to a vigilance probe pending against him, will now remain on leave till April 30.
 

His leave was extended today, a senior health ministry official said. However, according to sources, Prasad allegedly went to his office today and a "verbal spat" ensued between him and B D Athani, currently in-charge of the DGHS office. The spat, sources claimed broke out after Prasad found him in his cabin without his knowledge. Athani was given the charge "with full powers" last month.

"It is requested that the joining report submitted by me today may kindly be treated as withdrawn and my earned leave may kindly be further extended from February 20 to April 30 to enable me to complete my personal works," Prasad said in an official document which he submitted today. Meanwhile, an order was purportedly circulated today which stated that Prasad has been placed on suspension as a disciplinary proceeding for major penalty is pending against him.

"Now, therefore, the President in exercise of the powers conferred by sub rule (1) of Rule -10 of the Central, Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, hereby places Dr Jagdish Prasad, DGHS under suspension with immediate effect," the order dated today read. However, sources in the health ministry said that it was a "mischievous leak". A senior official from the health ministry clarified that the order was not enforced. "Prasad came to office and extended his leave," the official said.