Srinagar, July 22 : Doctors and other medical staff on Monday observed a day-long strike at Maternity hospital Anantnag over the alleged ‘manhandling’ of hospital staff at the hands of protesters following the death of a pregnant woman allegedly due to negligence of the doctors .
Reports reaching said that the staff held a protest demonstration in the hospital premises, seeking immediate redressal of their grievances, besides asked Principal Government College Anantnag to recommend security cover for them.
When contacted, Principal Government College Anantnag, Dr. Showkat Jeelani told that he has taken the issue into consideration and measures are in the offing. “Our staff in MCH Anantnag is working under most stressful conditions in the hospital given the paucity of staff, medicines and space in the hospital,” he said, adding, “People need to understand our limitations before resorting to any action that puts the life of staff at risk and hospital property at stake.”
The principal said he has received a memorandum from the staff for security cover and “I will recommend it to the government for the safety of our staff.”
The Principal expressed his disapproval over the vandalizing and thrashing of hospital staff at the hands of some locals and said: “It is highly unfortunate that our medical staff was manhandled by some people and if the things go like this who will work in the hospital.”
Meanwhile, requesting the people not to take law in their hands, the GMC head said: “I urge the people to restrain themselves from assaulting hospital staff and damaging the property.”
Admitting the fact the patients are suffering due to lack of space in the hospital, he said that the space in the hospital is very less with so much of patient flow on a daily basis and they are working in tandem with the authorities to make the under construction Rehmat-e-Alam unit functional as soon as possible.”
Rehmat-e-Alam complex is proposed to be a 4-floor structure. Ground floor and First floor have been constructed by the Trust itself which is a private body. “Half of the 2nd floor was constructed by JK housing board, balance 2nd and 3rd floor have been raised by JKPCC,” Director General Manager JKPCC M Hussain Dar told GNS. Recently, he said, advisor K Vijay Kumar directed health department to seek safety audit of the already constructed part from DIQC department till then funds have been put on hold. “Currently security forces have occupied it,” he said. Against cost of RS 12.10 cr, he said only Rs 3.21 stand released up-to-date.
Meanwhile, assuring that action will be taken against any negligence from the hospital staff, Principal said: “I assure you that if any of our doctors is found negligent he would be taken to task.”
Pertinently people are aghast over the alleged negligence of hospital staff which according to them led to the death of a pregnant woman few days ago. (GNS)
