Srinagar, Dec 13 (KNO): Days after Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara faced allegations of negligence leading to a tragic loss of life, the authorities have issued new directives to strengthen healthcare delivery and enforce discipline among medical staff. The measures prohibit leaving the hospital without the prior permission of the Medical Superintendent (MS).
An official at the health facility told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the directives aim to improve patient care, ensure accountability, and enhance operational discipline among medical professionals.
The new directive mandates that all senior residents, specialist medical officers and other medical personnel must remain stationed in the designated casualty room (Room 103) during duty hours. Leaving the hospital premises without prior approval from the MS is strictly prohibited.
The assistant professors, consultants and other doctors are banned from attending private clinics or hospitals while on official duty or on call, the official said, adding, "Night-duty staff—including paramedics, senior residents, and junior residents—are now required to mark their attendance using the Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) at 1 am daily. Staff who fail to comply with this requirement will be marked absent, the directive states."
Assistant professors and consultants on call are also required to perform two mandatory patient rounds: one in the evening, after 8 pm, and another in the morning, before 9 am. "This measure is aimed at maintaining continuity of care and ensuring thorough patient monitoring," the official said.
A 37-year-old man from Kupwara tragically passed away at GMC Handwara on Dec 10 (Tuesday). The incident has sparked allegations of medical negligence from the deceased's family and raised questions about the healthcare facilities at the hospital—(KNO)