Budgam: Authorities have taken strict action against seven healthcare employees, including two doctors, following a viral video that showed a stray dog inside the Emergency Trauma Room of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district.
A disciplinary committee, formed after the incident surfaced on social media on March 14, 2025, found gross negligence and recommended stringent measures against those responsible.
Following an inquiry by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), three Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employees—Ansar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmad Rather of PHC Panzan (Block Chadoora), and Abdul Gani Waza of SDH Chadoora—were found guilty of negligence. They have been suspended and attached to the DHSK pending further orders.
The inquiry also held two doctors accountable for dereliction of duty. Dr. Mubashir Amin, Medical Officer (RMO) SDH Chadoora, and Dr. Aqeel Afzal, Medical Officer Block Chadoora, have been attached to the DHSK as a disciplinary measure. Additionally, Zahoor Ahmad, a pharmacist at SDH Chadoora, and Mushtaq Ahmad, a sanitary inspector, were also found negligent and subjected to disciplinary action.
The inquiry report raised serious concerns over the overall supervision and administration of the hospital. It highlighted the failure of the Block Medical Officer (BMO) to:
- Maintain an attendance register for night-duty staff.
- Ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of CCTV cameras and footage.
- Monitor unauthorized persons attending night duties at SDH Chadoora.
- Maintain adequate hygiene and sanitation in the Emergency Trauma Room.
In response, the BMO has been formally asked to submit an explanation for these lapses and provide a detailed report to the DHSK. The officer has also been directed to take immediate corrective measures to improve hospital management and ensure strict adherence to professional responsibilities.
Authorities have emphasized the need for stronger hospital oversight to prevent such incidents in the future.(KNT)
