Suhail Rather
Bandipora, July 9: District Hospital Bandipora is grappling with administrative paralysis as the newly posted Medical Superintendent, appointed on June 28, has yet to assume office. Over ten days have passed, and the hospital remains without a full-time administrative head, triggering growing unrest among staff and residents alike.
The hospital, which caters to lakhs of people across north Kashmir, is witnessing stalled operations in several crucial areas. Financial processes have come to a near standstill, with pending bills, unattended files, and delays in salary disbursement—particularly for daily wagers and outsourced workers—causing distress.
“We are being forced to work without pay. Our families depend on this income, and now even basic survival is becoming difficult,” said a hospital technician, requesting anonymity.
In an interim measure, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Bandipora has assigned the additional charge of the post to the District Health Officer (DHO). However, insiders in the health department point out that the DHO is already overburdened with field duties and district-level program management, making it nearly impossible to effectively oversee daily hospital administration.
“The DHO is juggling multiple responsibilities. Expecting him to manage emergencies, finances, staff issues, and patient referrals without full authority is unrealistic,” said a senior staff member.
The absence of a Medical Superintendent has disrupted decision-making on emergency repairs, procurement of medicines, and maintenance. Complaints about delayed diagnostics, malfunctioning equipment, and stockouts of essential drugs have become frequent. Interns and junior staff often remain unsupervised after working hours, raising concerns about patient safety.
“This hospital has already drawn criticism for over-reliance on interns. Without senior oversight, things are deteriorating rapidly,” another staffer noted.
Residents from Bandipora and surrounding areas have voiced their frustration over the leadership vacuum, urging the authorities to resolve the matter urgently. Civil society members and local elders have described the delay as “irresponsible and unjustified.”
“It’s unacceptable that a key public health facility is left rudderless. What is stopping the appointed officer from taking charge? Are the people of Bandipora less deserving of efficient services?” questioned Advocate Abdur Rashid, a prominent advocate from the district.
Many locals believe the incident reflects a broader trend of neglect toward Bandipora in terms of administrative and health appointments, affecting grassroots service delivery.
With public concern rising, residents are calling on the Director of Health Services, the Divisional Commissioner, and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to step in. They demand that either the posted Medical Superintendent immediately report to duty or that a suitable replacement be appointed without delay.
“This is not just an administrative lapse—it’s about people’s health and lives. Delays in surgeries, emergency responses, and even basic governance risk collapsing the entire system,” said a retired health officer familiar with the hospital’s workings.
