Jahangeer Ganaie
Baramulla, Apr 25: Amid mounting allegations of medical negligence at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday termed the controversy a “deliberate attempt” to defame the government, while strongly condemning incidents of violence against healthcare workers.
Speaking to reporters in Baramulla, Itoo, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the government has significantly upgraded healthcare infrastructure across the region, particularly at GMC Anantnag, and claimed that such progress has “unnerved certain elements.”
“Earlier, there wasn’t even a proper gate at GMC Anantnag. Today, the hospital has been strengthened with improved infrastructure, including new beds, MRI facilities, cath labs, three modular operation theatres, and an increase in doctors and paramedical staff. These developments have not been digested by some people, who are now trying to malign the government deliberately,” she said.
Her remarks come in the wake of protests and allegations by a patient’s family claiming medical negligence, which escalated into vandalism and confrontation with hospital staff. Notably, there have been three medical negligence allegations in recent weeks at GMC Anantnag.
The Health Minister acknowledged public grief in cases of patient deaths but stressed that taking the law into one’s own hands cannot be justified. “We also feel the pain when someone dies. But people must not resort to violence. If there is any grievance, it should be formally reported so that a fair inquiry can be conducted,” she said.
Itoo issued a stern warning against those involved in assaulting medical professionals, stating that such acts will not be tolerated. “Thrashing doctors and paramedics is unacceptable. Police must check it out and investigate whether this was a deliberate act. Strict action will follow,” she asserted.
Reassuring the public, the minister said accountability will be ensured if any instance of negligence is established. “I assure the people that if any doctor is found involved in negligence, strict action will be taken as per the law. But justice must follow due process, not mob action,” she added.
Itoo said the government has made unprecedented progress in the past 18 months. “The scale of work done in the health department recently has never been seen before. GMC Baramulla, for instance, has already been sanctioned MRI and cath lab facilities, which will be operational soon,” she said.
The Health Minister further alleged that such improvements have triggered a backlash from vested interests. “Some people cannot tolerate these advancements and are resorting to such tactics to defame the government. Anyone found doing so deliberately will face the consequences,” she warned.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident at GMC Anantnag—(KNO)
