SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has suspended an Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, pending an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the institution’s Cardiology Department, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters, the Minister confirmed that an inquiry had already been initiated by the department and that the doctor concerned had been placed under suspension pending completion of the investigation.
“We have already started the inquiry and have suspended the doctor concerned,” Sakina Itoo said while responding to questions regarding the allegations surrounding the Cardiology Department of GMC Anantnag.
She said it would be premature to conclude before the inquiry process is completed.
“Let the inquiry be completed. We are waiting for the report, and whoever is found guilty will be punished as per the law,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Health and Medical Education Department issued an order placing Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor, Cardiology, presently deputed to GMC Anantnag, under suspension with immediate effect pending inquiry into his conduct.
According to the order, the suspension has been imposed under Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956.
The order further states that during the period of suspension, Dr Shah shall remain attached to the office of the Government Medical College, Jammu.
The suspension order was issued by M Raju, IAS, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office, Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, General Administration Department, State Health Agency and the Principals of GMC Anantnag and GMC Jammu, among other authorities, for information and necessary action.
The allegations concerning the functioning of the Cardiology Department at GMC Anantnag have generated widespread public attention, with patients and civil society groups seeking a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.
The government has reiterated its commitment to accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector and stated that appropriate legal and departmental action would be taken against anyone found responsible after the completion of the inquiry.
