Dereliction of Duty: 3 doctors at Kulgam District Hospital face suspension

Kulgam: Taking strict action against three doctors for neglecting their duties, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo suspended them during a surprise inspection at the District Hospital Kulgam in South Kashmir.

During her visit to the hospital, the Minister found these three doctors absent from duty and suspended them immediately for dereliction of assigned duties, an official spokesman told UNI.

Taking strong note of this alleged irresponsible and unprofessional behaviour of doctors, the Minister maintained that absenteeism and neglect of duty would not be tolerated at all. She said the healthcare staff, particularly doctors, must uphold their commitment to patient welfare and adhere to their professional responsibilities.

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The Minister also took on the spot assessment of medical care services being provided at the facility. She also interacted with patients and their attendants and took on-spot feedback from them about the status of medical care facilities being provided at the hospital.

During the inspection, the Minister found the hospital to be running in poor unhygienic condition describing the washroom as unbearably unhygienic that could even make attendants fall ill. She said that several complaints were received regarding inadequate facilities at the hospital and the closure of operation theatres on Sundays which were confirmed during the inspection. Further, she confirmed to inform the matter with the Director of Health Services in the next meeting.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir, the Minister said, "When you enter a hospital, special care must be taken to ensure cleanliness, as it caters to sick and sensitive people. I spoke to doctors, and they cited a lack of paramedical staff as the reason for keeping the OT closed. People come to this district hospital from remote areas, and in case emergency surgeries are needed at night, transferring the patient to Srinagar or Anantnag can be risky. Immediate care must be provided at DH Kulgam to prevent life-threatening delays.”

The Minister toured different sections of the hospital including the emergency unit, surgical ward, general wards and other facilities. She also interacted with the staff of the hospital and took detailed appraisals from them about the services being provided to the public at this facility.

Taking note of several issues of the hospital, the Minister assured the staff that the facilities at this hospital would be further strengthened by improving staffing levels and ensuring that medical professionals are always available to meet the needs of the people.

“We are committed to ensuring that healthcare services in Kulgam are improved significantly. Patients should not have to leave their district for basic medical needs,” she told Greater Kashmir.

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