Srinagar, Nov 24 (KNO): Patients and attendants across Kashmir have welcomed the decision of the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) directing all district hospitals and healthcare institutions to publicly display daily duty rosters of doctors, calling it a “long overdue reform” that will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the healthcare system.
As per the circular issued by the DHSK, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), hospitals must update and display daily rosters, including specialists, medical officers, casualty and emergency staff, and leave arrangements, at prominent locations such as the main entrance, OPD blocks, emergency sections, and, wherever available, on hospital websites or online portals.
Each roster must clearly mention the doctor’s name, designation, department, duty hours, and contact or extension numbers. Medical Superintendents have been held personally responsible for timely updates, with non-compliance attracting disciplinary action.
Patients said the decision will put an end to routine confusion about the availability of doctors and help them plan their visits more effectively.
“This is the first time we will actually know which doctor is on duty and when,” said Abdul Rashid, a patient from Pulwama. “Earlier, we would come to hospitals blindly and wait for hours only to be told that the doctor is not available today.”
Another patient, Nasreena from Shopian, said the displayed rosters will stop unnecessary miscommunication. “Sometimes doctors or staff would say the concerned doctor is on a night off or in a ward. Now, everything will be on the board. Nobody can mislead patients,” she said.
Attendants, too, feel the move will reduce frustration and long waiting hours. “When we know who is in OPD and who is in the ward, we can directly go to the right place. This will save both time and stress,” said Javed Ahmad, who had accompanied his father to a district hospital.
Patients also believe the system will help them connect with their preferred doctors more easily.
“At least now we can plan in advance. If we want to meet a specialist, we can check the roster and come on the right day instead of making multiple trips,” said Shabnam, a patient suffering from a chronic condition.
Many said this will particularly benefit those coming from far-flung areas who often spend an entire day visiting hospitals only to find doctors unavailable.
The DHSK circular stresses that the move aims to improve transparency, accountability, and the smooth functioning of healthcare institutions across the Kashmir Division. Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, and Block Medical Officers have been directed to implement the order immediately.
A senior health official told KNO that the initiative is meant to “restore patient trust” and streamline hospital operations.
“If patients know who is on duty and when, confusion automatically ends. This will improve patient satisfaction and reduce unnecessary crowding,” the official said.
Patients now hope the directive will be strictly implemented and maintained consistently. “If they follow it properly, it will be a game changer,” said another attendant at JLNM Hospital. “For patients, clarity is everything.”
The DHS Kashmir has said the measure will be monitored closely to ensure full compliance across all hospitals and health centres in the region—(KNO)