Srinagar, Feb 17: Authorities in the Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Saturday sealed ten medical establishments for lacking registration and failing to maintain hygiene standards at their facilities and labs.
Tehsildar Handwara, Zeehshan Khan, accompanied by the Drug Officer, conducted inspections of various medical establishments. During the drive, ten medical facilities were sealed by the First Class Magistrate.
The affected shopkeepers expressed their resentment against the action, saying they had applied for registration and other necessary documents a year ago, but there had been delays from the department’s side. A group of affected shopkeepers said they had taken hefty loans from various banks to start their businesses.
“If our business units remain closed, it would be difficult for us to repay the loans,” they said. The affected shopkeepers claimed that they were not given any time. How can we run our businesses smoothly under such circumstances, they asked.
A medical shop owner, who requested anonymity, said he had submitted all the necessary documents for registration with the department and had been following up regularly. “Despite my efforts, I did not receive registration. Before my shop was seized, I had pleaded with the officer, but my requests were ignored,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, Tehsildar Handwara said the inspection and seizure were aimed at providing better healthcare facilities to the people. He said several labs and clinics were found with all the required documents and were in proper hygienic condition during the inspection. All business owners must follow the procedures set by the government, he said.
The Tehsildar urged the people to ensure they have all the required documents for any business establishment.
In response to the claims of the affected shopkeepers, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kuwpara told Rising Kashmir that the shops which were seized by the First Class Magistrate had not properly followed up on their files. He asked them to visit his office for further assistance.
