Government to Investigate Doctors Avoiding Duty Pushing Patients Toward Expensive Private Hospitals

Government Steps In Doctors Under Probe for Allegedly Pushing Patients Toward Expensive Private Treatment

Srinagar – A quiet Sunday evening turned into a wake-up call for the medical fraternity in Kashmir when Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, made an unannounced visit to the Children’s Hospital in Srinagar. What she witnessed left her disturbed — not just by the condition of the hospital, but by the growing concern that some government doctors are allegedly neglecting their duties and indirectly pushing patients toward costly private treatment options.

In a heartfelt conversation with media personnel during her visit, Minister Itoo didn’t hold back.

“It’s heartbreaking,” she said. “Families come to government hospitals hoping for relief, but instead, they’re turned away — not by policy, but by indifference. Some doctors are forcing helpless patients to seek care in private hospitals where they can barely afford the bills.”

The Minister confirmed that multiple complaints have reached her desk about such behavior.

“This is not just one or two cases. These issues have repeatedly surfaced. We’ve already initiated a probe into the matter. People deserve better — they deserve dignity, care, and responsible healthcare,” she added.

This comes in the wake of a string of surprise inspections led by Minister Itoo at major healthcare facilities including SMHS Hospital, JVC Bemina, Emergency Hospital Qazigund, and District Hospital Pulwama. The visits were prompted by the SMHS incident, where operating theatres had been shut due to a doctors’ strike, triggering public outrage.

During her rounds, she found several lapses — from staff shortages to unhygienic conditions and unprofessional conduct. She didn’t shy away from expressing her disappointment and reiterated that patient care is the government’s top priority.

“We will not tolerate negligence. Those who don’t respect their duty will face strict action. This is not just a job — it’s a responsibility to humanity,” she asserted.

Her message is clear: the time for complacency is over. The public health system must return to its foundational promise — to serve every citizen with compassion and commitment.

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