SMHS row : Will come up with report within 15 days: Sakina

Srinagar, July 25: Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakina Itoo, on Friday visited SMHS Hospital Srinagar following the assault on a resident doctor and the disruption of patient care. She stated that the government is conducting a thorough inquiry into the incident from all angles and will release a report within 15 days.The Health Minister visited SMHS Hospital and inspected the casualty, operation theatres, wards, and other sections to take a firsthand assessment of the healthcare services.She said the government is thoroughly investigating all aspects of the SMHS Hospital incident, and a detailed report will be submitted within 15 days.“We will ensure a fair investigation, and anyone found guilty will face action. No one should be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” she said.“All doctors must wear aprons and display nameplates in hospitals. I have issued directions in this regard, and more SOPs will be introduced that will be followed by doctors to ensure accountability across all healthcare facilities,” Sakina said.Regarding the strike of doctors, she said the incident should not have happened. “It is unfortunate, and whatever has occurred must be dealt with as per the established rules and regulations,” the minister said.Referring to the hardships faced by patients at SMHS on the day of the doctors’ strike, she said that a hospital must not stop functioning in such situations. “Patients should not suffer. What was their fault? Why should they have to bear the consequences?” she asked.“Who would have been held responsible if a patient had died during the doctors’ strike? This was completely unjustified. The doctors were ethically wrong,” the Health Minister said.“Abandoning operation theatres, emergency services, and wards will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Negligence in patient care is simply not justified,” she added.The minister said that she herself saw that patients were going to SKIMS Bemina when doctors at SMHS resorted to strike and left the emergency.“Doctors have to treat patients and they need to keep their behavior appropriate and must maintain proper conduct with patients and attendants,” she said.Sakina further said that when a patient comes to the hospital, he comes with pain and should be given strength and willpower and should not compromise with patient care.“Whenever there is any medical negligence that is properly investigated under rules and whenever anybody is found guilty, action is taken as has been done in the past. People also have to be patient and they should not resort to physical assault or violence,” she said.