Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 27: Stressing that doctors must “change their habits”, Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today said that a major reshuffle is on the cards in the Health Department to ensure better patient care across J&K.
Speaking with reporters after paying a surprise visit to District Hospital Pulwama, Sakeena said that over the last 10 years, the habits of doctors “have worsened” to such an extent that there is a need to correct them and bring them back on track.
“We are taking measures in the coming days. The doctors who have been at their present place of posting for the last four years will be shifted. There will be a major reshuffle aimed at improving patient care,” she said.
The Minister said that those doctors who have been in one place for years are the problem and they need to be shifted, reiterating that a major reshuffle has become imperative.
She stressed that doctors must be held accountable. “Over the last 10 years, habits have become bad. These have to be changed,” she added.
Sakeena added that the Government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will not compromise on patient care at any cost.
“It is very important for us. We will take measures to ensure the same,” she said, adding that there is always room for improvement.
The Minister also lambasted the hospital authorities over the absence of doctors and poor sanitation.
“I paid a visit here, and there are 40 doctors posted here. When we came, there were only 4 doctors present. There is a patient rush despite it being a Sunday. At the same time, there is no hygiene,” she said.
“The attendants will become ill and those already ill will become worse. Patients are sensitive and prone to infection. Hospitals have to be kept clean. The OT is closed, patients are referred to Srinagar, and the patient may die. These things are being reviewed.”
Sakeena said that the Government has inherited issues confronting the Health and Education Departments, particularly from the last 10 years.
“We have got these issues in legacy – be it the bad condition of healthcare, lack of teachers in education, or shortage of doctors in healthcare. These issues are 10 years old, and we have got them in legacy,” she said.
The Minister, however, noted that the Government will not run away from its responsibilities. “We will ensure better patient care for the people,” she added.
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