The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an inquiry into the recent incident at Government Medical College, Srinagar, where an attendant allegedly assaulted a doctor at Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital, triggering protests and the suspension of emergency services.
J&K’s Secretary Health & Medical Education Department Abid Rasheed Shah appointed Mission Director, National Health Mission J&K Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary as Enquiry Officer to enquire into recent incident at GMC and he has been asked to submit a report to the Government within a period of 15 days from the date of issuance of order.
As per the government order, the Enquiry Officer will thoroughly examine the events and circumstances of the law and order incident that took place on July 23, at Government Medical College, Srinagar. The officer will look into what led to the incident, what happened afterward, and why the Operating Theatres (OTs) were closed, determining if it could have been avoided and identifying those responsible for any lapses.
The enquiry will also suggest steps to improve grievance redressal, strengthen administrative coordination, and ensure better functioning of the institution, along with recommending measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
On the intervening night of July 22 and July 23 an attendant allegedly slapped a resident doctor at SMHS Hospital after his brother-in-law passed away in the emergency ward. The assault sparked widespread protests by doctors, including resident doctors, interns, and other GMC staff, who demanded action and suspended emergency services. Jammu and Kashmir Police later registered an FIR. The protesting doctors called off their strike by Thursday afternoon following assurances of action and an official inquiry into the matter.
Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who visited the SMHS hospital yesterday, vowed action against the protesting doctors who closed emergency in the hospital.
