Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Minister Sakeena Itoo today strongly defended healthcare workers, saying doctors were working under immense pressure and warning that attacks on medical staff would not be tolerated.
Click here to watch video
“Doctors are available as per the roster everywhere. If a doctor is not available, file a complaint. But you have to appreciate that doctors are working round the clock,” Itoo told reporters in north Kashmir’s Baramulla.
“If this continues, if we go after the doctors like this, who will treat the people?” she added.
She urged the public to follow due process in case of grievances. “If a patient reaches the hospital and the necessary treatment is not done, come and file a complaint so that we can inquire into the matter. But beating doctors and staff is not acceptable,” she said.
Referring to recent cases of alleged medical negligence at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, the Minister alleged that “some people” were deliberately attempting to damage the image of the hospital and the Government.
“There are some people who want to damage the image of the hospital and the Government,” she said, adding, “I have directed that the police must investigate who is behind this, who is sitting inside and doing this deliberately.”
Highlighting improvements at GMC Anantnag, Itoo said infrastructure and services had been significantly upgraded over time.
“Earlier, there was not even a gate, and dogs used to roam around. We ensured the installation of a gate. We ensured new bedding and more and better doctors in various specialties,” she said.
She added that key medical infrastructure had been introduced during the current Government’s tenure.
“We have installed three new modular operation theatres. We ensured a cath lab, MRI machine and other facilities at GMC Anantnag,” she said, noting that similar upgrades were underway elsewhere. “Baramulla is also getting MRI and cath lab facilities.”
Itoo further alleged that criticism was being driven by those unwilling to accept development.
“When people see development, they cannot bear it and want to defame the Government,” she said, adding that authorities were examining who was attempting to damage its image.
On broader administrative issues, the minister said vacancies across departments were being addressed through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs).
“After the formation of the Government, there were a number of vacancies. We have held DPCs to fill them,” she said.
Referring to the education sector, she said a lack of recruitment since 2019 had created gaps.
“After 2019, no recruitment was done, which is why we are facing issues in certain areas. But we have ensured rationalisation and filled vacancies like ZEOs and CEOs. This is a continuous process,” she said.
Commenting on the recent attachment of a Chief Education Officer, Itoo said the Government was committed to accountability and transparency. “If there are complaints of corruption against any officer, action will be taken. There must be a reason for such attachment,” she added.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
