Srinagar, July 19(KNB): Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo has stated that shutting down essential hospital services, such as operation theaters and emergency wards, is unjustified and causes undue suffering to patients.
The minister made these remarks during a visit to SMHS Hospital in Srinagar, where doctors had halted services in protest against the assault on a colleague. Itoo emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident, but stressed that patients should not be punished for someone else’s actions.
“We cannot justify shutting down OTs, IPDs, or emergency services,” she said. “This cannot be tolerated. Doctors are our brothers and sisters, but if any negligence happens in patient care, it is a serious matter.”
Itoo assured that doctors found guilty of negligence would face action and emphasized the importance of professional conduct and clear communication between doctors and patients. She also stated that there is no written provision allowing doctors to halt services entirely and such disruptions would not be tolerated.(KNB)