Authorities in Handwara sealed ten medical establishments on Saturday for lacking registration and failing to maintain hygiene standards at their medical facilities and labs.
Tehsildar Handwara Zeehshan Khan, accompanied by the Drug Officer on the directives of higher officials, 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, stating that 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 mentioned they had taken hefty loans from various banks to start their businesses.
They added that if their business units remained closed, it would be difficult for them to repay the loans. “These affected shopkeepers claimed that they were not given any time despite the issue being on the department’s end. They questioned how they could run their businesses smoothly under such circumstances.”
A medical shop owner, who requested anonymity, informed Rising Kashmir. “He had submitted all the necessary documentation for registration with the department and had been following up regularly. Despite his efforts, he had not received registration. He stated that before his shop was seized, he had pleaded with the officer, but his requests were ignored.”
Tehsildar Handwara, speaking to reporters, stated that the inspection and seizure aimed to provide better healthcare facilities to the people of Handwara. He revealed that several labs and clinics were found to have all the required documents and were in proper hygienic condition during the inspection. Khan stressed that all business owners must follow the procedures set by the government.
He urged all the people of Handwara to ensure they have all the required documents for any business establishment.
In response to the claims of the affected shopkeepers, Chief Medical Officer Kuwpara told Rising Kashmir that those whose shops were seized by the First Class Magistrate had not properly followed up on their files. He requested that they visit his office for further assistance.
