Doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours to face action: Minister Sakina Itoo

Srinagar: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, has issued a stern directive to prevent doctors in Jammu and Kashmir from engaging in private practice during duty hours. The Minister emphasized that strict action would be taken against any doctor found violating this policy.

The Minister made these remarks while responding to questions from the media during her visit to south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

According to a UNI report, Itoo said, “I assure you that the government will take stern action against any doctors engaging in private practice during their duty hours.''

She further added that the government will acknowledge and appreciate doctors who perform their duties with dedication and commitment. “Doctors who carry out their responsibilities diligently will be recognized and appreciated by the government,” Sakeena emphasized.  

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Regarding the increase in the honorarium being paid to the junior MBBS doctors, she said the issue is under consideration of the government and presently there are not sufficient funds available with the government. Sakeena assured that whatever possible will be done for them.  

Earlier during the day, the Minister held a detailed inspection of Jawaharlal Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital Rainawari in Srinagar and reviewed the overall status of medical facilities available for the locals there.

During the inspection, she held a detailed tour of the hospital and reviewed the overall functioning of the health facility. Itoo inspected OPD, IPD, Operation theatre, blood bank and other units of the hospital.

Interacting with the hospital administration and other staff on duty, the Minister emphasized on cleanliness and hygiene inside the wards for maintaining overall patient care environment in the hospital.

“Round the clock heating arrangements should be maintained in the hospital in view of the harsh cold in this winter”, Sakeena directed the hospital administration.

The Minister further underlined the importance of timely maintenance of medical equipment in hospitals in order to improve the quality of healthcare services for the public.

During the inspection, Sakeena also visited the medical supplies section of the hospital and evaluated the inventory. She called upon the officers to maintain adequate stock of medicines and other equipment in the hospital during the winter months.

Itoo assured the hospital administration of continued support from the Government and advised them to work with zeal and zest so that the government hospitals meet the needs of the population.

The Minister also interacted with the patients and their attendants and took onspot feedback from them about the healthcare services being provided at the hospital.

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