Meer Shabnum
Srinagar, Aug 08 (KB): The tension wielded in Government Medical College (GMC) in south Kashmir’s Anantnag, on Wednesday when the families of two deceased patients staged a protest against the hospital staff by accusing them of medical negligence.
The incident has sharpened criticism about hospital practices and general healthcare across the region.
The family members are arguing that improper care and lack of monitoring caused the untimely death of their beloved, further saying the outrage had them rampaging and clashing with other doctors and the paramedical staff, who claim the protesters verbally and manhandled them.
The local police were called in an attempt to restore some order and deal with the increasingly unruly mob.
If anything, the presence of the police served to deter further escalation and ensure that everyone present at the scene was safe.
In the wake of the mayhem, GMC Principal Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Najeeb addressed the media and expressed her dismay over the episode.
She also went on to give her word that no doctor would protest and added that patient care would not be compromised amidst the political storm.
An inquiry committee was to be formed to investigate the claims of negligence and ensure transparency.
The incident has exposed a yawning gap between the medical care providers and the community in respects related to the quality of medical care being extended at the same time, a crying call for greater transparency in it.— (KB)
