COVID-19: Officer suspended for ‘refusing’ to do surveillance duty

SRINAGAR — J&K administration on Friday suspended Medical Officer Dr Saleem Bhatti for “refusing” to do surveillance duty in connection with the measures taken by the government to contain Coronavirus.

“In view of spread of COVID-19 virus and to contain it, surveillance teams were constituted in District Poonch to follow up home quarantine case of Indian national returning from abroad. Tehsildar Haveli reported that Dr. Saleem Bhatti, M.O. District Hospital Poonch who is deputed in surveillance team for monitoring and follow up of home quarantine people in Niabat Poonch refused to do surveillance duty,” reads an order issued by Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Rahul Yadav.

“On further enquiry from Chief Medical Officer Poonch, it reveals that he is posted in District Hospital Poonch and he left the station and went to Surankote without prior permission,” it said.

“Medical profession is considered a noble profession. In this difficult time when government is putting all-out effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus, medical professionals are critical to government efforts,” reads the order.

“Across the globe, medical professionals have gone beyond call of duty to contain the spread of COVID-19 and Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. However, such lackadaisical attitude on part of one single doctor can make efforts of all other health professionals futile,” reads the order further.

It added, “Keeping in view of this, Dr, Saleem Bhatti M.O. District Hospital Poonch is placed under suspension with immediate effect”.

“Meanwhile, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Poonch shall initiate disciplinary action against him under CSC Rules and submit action taken report to this office at an earliest,” the order reads.

“During suspension period, he will remain attached with District Hospital Poonch at the disposal of Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Poonch for further duty,” the order added.