Haflong, Oct. 19: The medicine store of Haflong civil hospital here is being run by a grade IV non-technical employee for months, posing a danger to the life of patients.

"The pharmacist and store in-charge of the civil hospital, Nirupam Dutta, had not attended office for a long time, so I was forced to run the store," said L. Hranckhol, the grade IV employee.

According to the attendance register accessed by The Telegraph, Dutta was found to be absent from June this year, barring three days in August.

Despite his absence, he had been drawing his salary regularly, sources said.

Haflong civil hospital is the only 100-bed hospital in Dima Hasao district of Assam and 300 to 400 patients come here for treatment daily.

H.S. Suri, the superintendent of the civil hospital, told The Telegraph: "Dutta has been absent for a long time We have marked him absent and sent a report to the joint director of health services. Towards the end of August, Dutta was also ordered to hand over charge to another senior pharmacist but he never obeyed the order. I am afraid that the store is being run by non-technical staff. If any untoward incident happens, the hospital will be blamed."

The sources said any action against Dutta would have to be initiated by the joint director (health).

Dutta was earlier in the news for allegedly seeking Rs 2 lakh from those aspiring to permanent grade IV jobs. Many aspirants had alleged that Dutta had asked for Rs 2 lakh to provide them jobs at the hospital.

The North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council made 213 appointments in January this year.

Dipali Barman, the joint director of health, Dima Hasao, also demanded an explanation from Dutta on the issue.

There are allegations that Dutta had links with the autonomous council and the Assam government so no action could be taken against him. It had also been alleged that he had direct links with health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Dutta also supplies medicines and other medical equipment to the hospital in the name of his sister-in-law.