Banihal, Nov 14: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Banihal has directed an administrative inquiry into allegations that patients visiting Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal are being referred to private healthcare facilities for medical consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment.
The inquiry was initiated following a written complaint by local resident Ruhan Dar, who has alleged irregularities in the functioning of certain hospital departments and a possible nexus between some doctors and a private diagnostic establishment in the town.
The complaint has particularly flagged the functioning of the surgery, radiology and pathology departments. It alleges that a surgeon posted at the hospital has been directing patients suffering from gastrointestinal ailments, gallbladder stones and appendicitis to private clinics and hospitals instead of providing the required consultation and treatment at the government facility.
According to the representation, patients requiring endoscopy and sigmoidoscopy are allegedly advised to approach private centres. Those suffering from gallbladder stones and appendicitis are also claimed to have been referred to private hospitals.
The complainant has further alleged that certain investigations, including Peripheral Blood Film (PBF) tests and biopsies, are not being conducted by the hospital's pathology department during official working hours.
Concerns have also been raised over the ultrasound facility. The complaint claims that patients visiting the hospital for ultrasound examinations are allegedly directed to a radiologist's private clinic on the grounds that the equipment available at the government hospital is inadequate.
The representation has additionally sought verification of the attendance and duty records of the concerned surgeon and radiologist, particularly with regard to their alleged absence from official duties on Saturdays.
Another issue raised in the complaint concerns the expansion of a private diagnostic laboratory in Banihal into a multi-speciality consultation and procedural centre. The establishment is reportedly offering services in cardiology, gastroenterology, gynaecology and other medical fields.
The complainant has sought verification of the centre's registration, statutory permissions and mandatory regulatory clearances, including compliance with the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, wherever applicable.
Taking cognizance of the allegations, SDM Banihal Mohammad Naseeb Bajran, JKAS, issued an official communication on November 11, directing the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Banihal, to examine the matter thoroughly, take action as required under the rules and submit a detailed report.
The complaint and related correspondence have also been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Chief Medical Officer Ramban, Director Health Services Jammu and Registrar of the J&K Medical Council for information and examination at their respective levels.
The inquiry is expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether any violations or lapses have occurred in the delivery of healthcare services at the government hospital.
