Govt Orders Probe into SMHS OT Closure, Report to be Submitted in 15 Days
Baseer ul Haq Appointed Enquiry Officer
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, July 25 (JKNS): The Jammu & Kashmir government has appointed an Enquiry Officer to probe the recent incident at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, which led to the abrupt closure of Operating Theatres (OTs) at SMHS Hospital on July 23.
As per Government Order, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, Shri Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary (IAS), Mission Director, National Health Mission J&K, has been appointed as the Enquiry Officer to conduct a comprehensive examination of the facts and circumstances related to the incident.
The order, issued by Secretary to the Government, Health & Medical Education Department, mandates the officer to assess the immediate events that triggered the closure of the OTs, evaluate whether the shutdown was avoidable, and identify individuals responsible for any dereliction of duty or violation of protocol.
The Enquiry Officer has also been directed to suggest corrective measures to enhance administrative coordination and ensure such disruptions are prevented in future. Mohammad Ashraf Hakak (JKAS), Administrator Associated Hospitals, GMC Srinagar, will serve as the Presenting Officer in the case.
The officer has been asked to submit the report within 15 days from the issuance of the order.
On July 23, the OTs at SMHS Hospital were shut down following an assault on a doctor. The closure sparked outrage as several surgeries were postponed, leading to patient distress and widespread criticism of the hospital administration for failing to maintain smooth functioning during the crisis. (JKNS)
