It is always a tricky job to handle the bureaucracy particularly for such organizations as are very closely linked to public dealing. Hospital services are all public dealings and usually very ticklish because the patients and the wards are expecting full facilities in hospitals but hospital authorities are unable to meet their expectations. If they were free to handle the ins and outs of the hospital, and having financial powers is the real meaning of freedom, perhaps the condition of hospitals would not be that bad in our State. About thirty-six PG doctors at SMHS hospital, Srinagar are on strike since two days against ‘overburdened duty’. This is a strange complaint and coming from doctors as it does, it sounds bizarre. Usually doctors everywhere are overworked and they very rarely complain about it in public. Most of them are duty-conscious and want to render as much help as is possible to the patients. However, it appears that the striking doctors have a very genuine case so much, so that they are forced to go on strike. The position in SMHS Hospital is that the Health Department had appointed nearly 130 Assistant Surgeons for Triage Ward and Medicinal ICU few years back. The basic motive was the augmentation of the staff. However, with the passage of time, most of the Assistant Surgeons managed to get themselves appointed in non-clinical areas and some of them were posted as Resident Medical Officers and Chief Medical Officers while some are staying away from duties due to proximity with bureaucrats. This has its adverse impact on hospital services. Authorities in SMHS have asked the PG doctors to work in Triage Ward (high-dependency ward) and Medicinal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) as these sections are facing severe shortage of staff. Resenting the move, the PG doctors are on strike causing inconvenience to hundreds of patients who throng the SMHS everyday.
Health Minister should look into this situation and try to resolve it amicably. After all the interests of the patients are supreme and even if doctors are working overtime, it is highly appreciable. However, moderation in everything is justifiable. They should not be overworked because that will have negative impact on their efficiency. The issue needs to be resolved immediately and to the satisfaction of all.
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