Authorities have taken strict action against seven healthcare employees, including two doctors, after a viral video surfaced showing a dog inside the Emergency Trauma Room of Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Chadoora in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district. A disciplinary committee found gross negligence and recommended stringent measures against those responsible.
Following the circulation of the video on social media on March 14, 2025, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) constituted an inquiry committee to ascertain the facts. The investigation revealed serious lapses on the part of several employees, leading to immediate action.
Three Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) employees, identified as Ansar Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmad Rather of PHC Panzan (Block Chadoora) and Abdul Gani Waza of SDH Chadoora, were found guilty of negligence. As a result, they have been placed under suspension and attached to the DHSK pending further orders.
The inquiry also held two doctors accountable for dereliction of duty. Dr. Mubashir Amin, Medical Officer (RMO) SDH Chadoora, and Dr. Aqeel Afzal, Medical Officer Block Chadoora, have been attached to the DHSK as a disciplinary measure. Additionally, Zahoor Ahmad, a pharmacist at SDH Chadoora, and Mushtaq Ahmad, a sanitary inspector at the same facility, were also found negligent and subjected to disciplinary action.
The committee’s report also highlighted serious concerns regarding the overall supervision and administration of the hospital. It found that the Block Medical Officer (BMO) failed to maintain an attendance register for night-duty staff, did not ensure the proper functioning of CCTV cameras and footage maintenance, and was unaware of unauthorized persons attending night duties at SDH Chadoora.
Furthermore, the inquiry noted the poor hygiene and sanitation conditions of the Emergency Trauma Room, as well as a general lack of oversight and monitoring.
The BMO has been formally directed to submit an explanation for lapses and provide a detailed response to the DHSK. The officer has also been instructed to take immediate corrective measures and report back on the steps taken to improve hospital management and ensure strict adherence to professional responsibilities. [KNT]
