RCC suspends chief nursing officer over alleged recruitment irregularities

Thiruvananthapuram: Following allegations of recruitment fraud, the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) on Friday suspended its Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), Sreelekha R, pending a disciplinary inquiry. In the suspension order, RCC Director Dr Rejnish Kumar said the action followed a complaint received through the Chief Minister’s Portal, which flagged serious irregularities in the staff nurse selection process. A preliminary assessment found a prima facie case warranting immediate suspension and a detailed inquiry.

The complaint alleges that Sreelekha played a key role in preparing the written examination question paper and also served on the interview panel, despite a close relative being among the candidates. The relative reportedly secured first rank in the final list, raising concerns over undue advantage and manipulation of the recruitment process. “The allegations point to procedural malpractices and possible collusion, compromising the integrity and transparency of the recruitment,” the RCC statement said.

As per the suspension order, Sreelekha has been directed to hand over all official charges, records and keys to the Nursing Superintendent. She has also been barred from entering the RCC premises and from leaving the station without prior written permission from the Director.

Responding to the move, Dr Rejnish said the suspension was ordered at the prima facie stage, even before the formal inquiry commenced. “We suspended the officer and constituted an inquiry committee as an initial step. The inquiry is currently underway,” he said.

He said the four-member committee includes an Administrative Officer, along with three other internal members. “The committee will examine all aspects of the complaint in detail and submit its report. Further action will be taken based on its findings,” he added.

Sreekaryam Sreekumar, former councillor of the Medical College ward and the complainant, welcomed the suspension, calling it an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the allegations. “We had demanded that the officer be suspended even before the inquiry began. That has now happened, and an inquiry committee has been constituted,” he said.

According to Sreekumar, the RCC issued a notification on May 15, 2025, to recruit staff nurses for a new block coming up at the centre. The notification listed 215 vacancies, with each applicant required to pay a fee of ₹300. Nearly 8,000 candidates appeared for the written examination and interview.

He alleged that the CNO, who prepared the question paper and sat on the interview board, failed to recuse herself despite several close relatives — including nieces and other relations — appearing for the recruitment.

“The strongest indicator of malpractice is not just access to the question paper, but the ranking itself. Ranks one, two and three, and 15 of the top 18 candidates, were relatives or close associates. That points to the scale of the irregularity,” he claimed.

Sreekumar alleged abuse of official position, nepotism, deliberate concealment of facts and possible financial malpractice. “Thousands of candidates from poor backgrounds paid the fee and appeared for the selection process, only to be unfairly excluded. There is nothing wrong with relatives appearing for an exam, but the official concerned must completely withdraw from the process,” he said.

He added that the suspension order itself indicated the existence of a prima facie case. “Otherwise, there would be no justification for suspending a senior officer,” he said.