In a disturbing occurrence at Sub District Hospital, Darhal, Rajouri, irate relatives, and villagers trashed hospital furniture when no doctor was available to treat a sick child late in the evening. The incident occurred on Monday at about 8 p.m., sparking a destructive protest against the lack of medical staff.
According to reports, the trouble began when anxious parents arrived at the hospital with a sick two-year-old child, only to discover that there was no doctor on duty. Family members became furious with the lack of medical aid and began vandalizing hospital facilities, damaging the main gate in the process. Local residents joined the rally to underline the gravity of the situation.
The frightened family explained that they took the youngster to the emergency wing, where there was only one attendant and no doctor available. Despite being informed that a doctor would appear, the wait lasted hours with no medical expert showing up. In desperation, the family chose to transport the youngster to GMC Rajouri on their own. In a rage, the crowd destroyed hospital furnishings and other property.
Following an investigation, Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr. Sajjad Mirza revealed that the doctor assigned to night duty was absent without permission. Surprisingly, the doctor's phone was turned off, compounding the severity of the issue.
Furthermore, the doctor on duty in the evening departed the hospital without waiting for the night shift doctor, leaving the medical institution unattended.
In reaction to the neglect, the BMO took immediate action by issuing show cause letters to both absentee doctors, Dr. Najmus Saqib Lone and Dr. Samina Malik, both medical officers at Sub District Hospital Darhal. Their salaries have been suspended as a punishment, and a committee has been constituted to investigate the incident thoroughly.
The absence of medical personnel in a crucial scenario raises major questions about the region's healthcare infrastructure. The episode highlights the vulnerability of individuals who rely on prompt and accessible medical care. The community's reaction, however destructive, represents the despair and helplessness that people feel when they don't have access to basic healthcare treatments.
The BMO's prompt response, including a salary suspension and an inquiry, demonstrates a commitment to responsibility within the healthcare system. This tragedy serves as a sharp reminder of the importance of tight measures to maintain the presence of medical personnel during their authorized shifts, thereby averting occurrences that jeopardize public safety and health.
(Input from various resources)
(Rehash/Susmita Bhandary/MSM)