The government has ordered an inquiry into the recent incident at Government Medical College, Srinagar, where an attendant allegedly assaulted a doctor at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, triggering protests and the suspension of emergency services.
On the directions of Ministers for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, Inquiry Officer has been appointed to probe the recent incident at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on July 23.
As per the order issued by, Health and Medical Education department, Mission Director, National Health Mission J&K, Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to conduct a comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances related to the incident.
The order reads that the Inquiry Officer shall assess the immediate precursors to the said incident, as well as the developments that ensued after the incident.
It also state that the Inquiry Officer shall investigate the reasons for the closure of Operating Theatres (OTs), assess whether such closure was avoidable, and fix responsibility upon the individual(s) found to have acted in dereliction of duty or in contravention of established protocols.
The order also reads that the officer shall recommend concrete measures aimed at enhancing internal grievance redressal mechanisms, strengthening administrative coordination, and improving the overall functioning of the institution; and propose remedial and preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
The Inquiry Officer has been asked to submit a report to the Government within a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of issuance of this order.
The order further stated that Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Administrator Associated Hospitals, GMC Srinagar shall be the Presenting Officer in the case.
On the intervening night of July 22 and July 23 an attendant allegedly slapped a resident doctor at SMHS Hospital after his brother-in-law passed away in the emergency ward. The attendants of the patient alleged negligence on part of the doctors.
The alleged assault sparked widespread protests by doctors, including resident doctors, interns, and other GMC staff, who demanded action and suspended emergency services. Police later registered an FIR.
Due to the doctors strike, even the emergency and operation theatres were closed, causing grave inconvenience to the patients. It led to outrage and forced the government to act.
Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who visited the SMHS hospital yesterday, vowed action against the protesting doctors who closed emergency in the hospital.