Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD) Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, launched a scathing criticism of government doctors on Sunday evening, accusing some of them of showing “shocking disinterest” in patient care—an attitude she said is driving patients to seek expensive treatment in private hospitals.
During a surprise visit to the Children’s Hospital in Srinagar, the Minister expressed her anguish over growing complaints of patient neglect. “These very doctors force patients to go to private hospitals,” she told reporters. “When a patient is in critical condition and the doctor fails to show basic responsibility or provide proper treatment, what choice does the family have? They are compelled to pay exorbitant fees at private facilities.”
Sakina Itoo confirmed that an official inquiry has been ordered into the complaints. “The government is already aware of these issues. We’ve received multiple such reports, and investigations are underway to identify the defaulters,” she said.
The minister’s remarks come in the wake of mounting public outrage following the SMHS incident where operation theatres were shut during a doctors’ strike. In response, she has intensified inspections across major hospitals in the Valley, including SMHS Srinagar, JVC Bemina, Emergency Hospital Qazigund, and District Hospital Pulwama.
During these inspections, Itoo noted a disturbing pattern—absenteeism among staff, unsatisfactory patient care, and poor hygiene in several facilities. She warned that negligence will not be tolerated and reiterated that patient welfare is the government’s top priority.
“This is not a time for indifference. We are dealing with human lives. Every doctor must be held accountable,” she asserted(DD)
