Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Aug 23: The District Hospital Bandipora is grappling with an acute shortage of doctors and paramedical staff even as several employees posted at the facility remain attached to other offices, drawing salaries without serving at their parent posting.
According to reports, one Medical Officer has been shifted to District Srinagar, a Lab Technician is serving at the ANMT School, and a Sanitation Worker is attached to the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Despite being on the rolls of the District Hospital Bandipora, their absence has weakened the hospital’s functioning.
Locals and civil society groups have termed the practice “unjustified” and alleged that such attachments are influenced by political or bureaucratic pressure. “This is nothing but injustice with the poor patients of Bandipora. How can a hospital already facing staff shortage afford to send away its employees to other offices?” said a social activist.
When contacted, the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent of the hospital admitted the issue and assured that the attached employees would be called back soon.
However, residents said assurances were not enough and demanded immediate action.
Civil society members have appealed to the Health Minister, the Secretary of Health, and the Director of Health, Kashmir, to intervene and order a probe into the staff attachments.
Bandipora’s district hospital caters to patients from far-flung villages, and residents argue that weakening its staff strength directly impacts thousands of people dependent on the facility for healthcare.
