Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Friday expressed dismay over the shutdown of services by doctors at SMHS Hospital Srinagar, stressing that patient care should never be compromised, even in the face of unfortunate incidents.
Her remarks came after she visited the SMHS Hospital, where junior doctors had recently staged a protest and halted services following an alleged assault on a doctor by a patient’s attendant earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters according to news agency KINS, Itoo said while the government does not condone any assault on medical staff, shutting down hospitals was not the right response.
“Shutting hospitals won’t be tolerated. Patient care must never be compromised. An unfortunate incident took place, and it will be thoroughly investigated, but that doesn’t mean patients should suffer,” she said, according to the news agency KINS.
She further stated that authorities will also look into the reasons behind the doctors’ decision to suspend services, which left many patients unattended and in distress.
“What was the fault of the hundreds of patients who were left without care?” she questioned.
The Health Minister stated that doctors have a moral and professional responsibility to treat patients, regardless of the circumstances.
“A doctor’s job is to save lives. While not every life can be saved, the attempt must always be there. Their behaviour must also be compassionate because patients often see doctors as next to God,” she added.
She assured that action would be taken against any wrongdoing, whether by hospital staff or outsiders. (KINS)
