10 employees including DAK president found absent from duties

BARAMULLA — Sub-District Magistrate made a surprise visit to Trauma Hospital located in Pattan town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district and found at least 10 staffers including five doctors absent from duties.

Among those who were found absent were president of one of the factions of Doctors Association Kashmir Dr Suhail Naik, Dr Asim Rather (USG), Dr Zeeza (Dentist), Dr Mehmooda (Dentist), Dr Arshid Hussain (Physician) and others.

During the inspection, SDM Pattan also found NRHM, Dental, RNTCP, USG sections locked.

SDM Pattan Syed Faheem said that he made the surprise visit at around 1:15 PM after receiving complaints that in absence of doctors and para-medical staff, patients are suffering immensely.

“I was told most of the patients who visit the Trauma Hospital from far flung areas return back, when they found doctors absent. This is unacceptable and during my visit, I found 10 employees absent,” he said.

Syed Faheem added that he has recommended their suspension before Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, till then Block Medical Officer has been asked to withhold the salaries of these employees.

A couple of patients, who complained about the inconvenience, demanded stern action against the absentees, saying snowfall can’t be an excuse for a doctor on whom ailing patients rely.