TAUSEEF AHMAD
BANDIPORA, Aug 24: In a concerning development in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, a committee has been formed to investigate the discovery of large quantities of medicines found destroyed and burned in a trench at the Primary Health Center (PHC) in Chontimulla.
The Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Bandipora, in response to the incident, issued an order forming an investigation team to probe the matter.
According to the order, available with *Kashmir Despatch* (Order No. BMOB/Estt/2024/515-17), the investigation committee includes Dr. Asif Iqbal, Medical Officer; Dr. Hina, Medical Officer posted at PHC Chontimulla; Dr. Zulfi, also posted at PHC Chontimulla; and Mushtaq Ahmad, Chief Health Officer (CHO) of Bandipora.
These officials have been tasked with examining the circumstances under which the medicines were discarded and set on fire.
However, the formation of this investigation team has drawn sharp criticism from the local community. Many have raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest, as several members of the committee are posted at the very hospital where the medicines were found.
“What kind of justice is this? How can those potentially involved in wrongdoing be part of the team investigating the matter? This raises serious concerns about the fairness of the inquiry,” said Gh Mohi-ud-din Rather, a member of the District Development Council (DDC) from Arin. He emphasized the need for a truly impartial investigation, urging the higher authorities to step in and ensure a transparent process.
Rather expressed hope that the Director of Health Services Kashmir and the district administration of Bandipora would take the matter seriously and hold accountable any individuals involved in the illegal disposal of medicines.
In response to these concerns, the Director of Health Services Kashmir, in a statement to Kashmir Despatch, assured that a team from another district would review the inquiry report. If necessary, the investigation could be escalated further to ensure justice is served.
