GMC Baramulla Doctor's registration suspended over dereliction of duty, incompetence

Srinagar: Describing his actions as “delinquent” and “incompetent, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC) on Monday suspended the registration of Dr Ishtiyaq Abdullah, Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at Government Medical College (GMC) Baramulla for one year for neglecting his duty at the hospital, engaging in private practices and more.  

This action was taken based on the enquiry committee’s report which stated that Dr Abdullah during his appearance before the committee acknowledged that he had not been regularly attending his official duties at GMC Baramulla and was unable to defend his case. The report also highlighted his surgical incompetence, which has been conclusively proven.

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An order issued by JKMC stated, "The Enquiry Committee has proved gross negligence and misconduct by you. Whereas, the inquiry report clearly indicates gross violations of professional ethics and the code of conduct. Specifically, it highlights negligence and a breach of duty towards patient care, involving the performance of unnecessary/incorrect procedures, and misdiagnosis of injuries, which has led to serious harm to the patients who trusted you and had faith in your professional competence.

The Enquiry Committee has observed and documented that you have not been dedicating adequate time to the Hospital, instead engaging in private practice, astonishingly also performing surgeries of two different patients simultaneously at two different locations in the private sector involving overlapping times. These actions are in direct contradiction to the standards expected from a medical professional in your position and also in violation of the norms of the Hospital/ Department. In view of your Malpractices, poor Conduct and lack of Professional skills, you have already been banned for practising in the Private sector and also placed under suspension from Govt. the service vide above mentioned Govt. orders."

Further, the order stated, "It has been established that you are a proven delinquent medical practitioner and guilty of professional misconduct and technical incompetence."

“It is expected that you use this time to reflect, review, and improve your skills. During the suspension period, as a trainee, you must work under the guidance of the HoD Orthopaedics, GMC Handwara, who will assess and authenticate your surgical capabilities and professional conduct,” the JKMC stated.

“The council will review the assessment report submitted by the Principal/HoD Orthopedics, GMC Handwara, before deciding on any future authorisation for you to perform surgeries or practice after the one-year suspension. You are directed to surrender your original registration certificates. These will remain in the council’s possession until the end of the suspension period, pending a review of the decision based on the report from the Principal/HoD Orthopaedics, GMC Handwara,” it said.

As background, the JKMC mentioned that it examined the communication received from the Administrative Department, along with the enquiry report forwarded by the H&ME Department. The enquiry, conducted by Prof Altaf Ahmad Kawoosa, HoD Orthopaedics, B&J Hospital, and Prof Suhail Majid, HoD Orthopaedics SKIMS, MC Bemina, was described as “thorough and self-explanatory.”

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