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J&K Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, on Tuesday issued a stern warning to doctors found neglecting their hospital duties to attend private clinics, saying strict action would follow any such dereliction.
During a surprise visit to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Pattan, the Minister found that only two of the twelve posted doctors were present on duty. Calling it an unacceptable situation, she said the hospital’s duty roster system reflected a “decades-old nexus” and needed an immediate overhaul.
“Many doctors have been posted at the same hospital for over 15 years. They run private clinics nearby and often skip hospital duties. This is unacceptable,” Itoo said.
Criticising what she called the “irrational roster system,” the Minister questioned why ten doctors were on rest while only two handled patient care.
“Why should only two doctors cater to the people when twelve are posted there?” she asked, adding that healthcare in Kashmir suffered more due to mismanagement than a shortage of staff.
Itoo said she had already directed the Health and Medical Education Department to review and rationalise duty rosters across hospitals.
“Every hospital administration must ensure that doctors, including senior ones, are present at all times,” she said.
The Minister observed that one major reason for frequent referrals from rural hospitals to tertiary care centres was the absence of doctors—especially senior staff—during night hours.
“Doctors often leave hospitals to juniors or students while attending their private practice,” she noted.
Assuring corrective action, Itoo said ensuring the 24×7 presence of sufficient and senior medical staff would be her top priority.
“I will conduct more surprise visits, especially at night, to check the functioning of hospitals,” she said, urging the public to report absenteeism.
“Healthcare is the right of the people, and any compromise in its delivery will not be tolerated,” the Minister asserted.
