Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 9: At least 10 employees including five senior doctors and Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) president were found absent at Trauma Hospital Pattan in North Kashmir’s Baramulla after the Sub-District Magistrate made a surprise visit to the facility today.
The absent employees include the president of one of the factions of the DAK, Dr. Suhail Naik, Asim Rather, Radiologist, Dr. Zeeza, dentist, Dr Mehmooda, dentist, Dr Arshad Hussain, Physician and others.
The senior doctors were absent despite the absence of Block Medical Officer, Dr Tasawur, who was on leave because of his father’s death. Several key sections of the hospital including NRHM, Dental, RNTCP, USG were also found locked.
SDM, Syed Faheem, told Excelsior that he visited the hospital on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, G N Itoo, who had received complaints about absence of the doctors in the hospital.
”I visited the hospital in the afternoon and found these employees absent. We have stopped their salaries till further investigation. I submitted my report to the Deputy Commissioner,” he said.
He added that the Out Patient Department and the Gynaecology section of the hospital were running smoothly and specialists were also available there. “Two-three physicians were in the OPD and an equal number of gynaecologists were also on duty,” he said.
People appreciated the efforts of the administration and demanded stern action against the absent employees. “We cover long distances and come here for treatment. How are we going to get benefitted when doctors are not available? While we respect doctors for their duty, but such behavior is putting this profession to shame. Strong action should be taken against them,” distraught patients said.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, G N Itoo, told Excelsior that an explanation has been sought from the absent employees and further action would be taken after their response.
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