Srinagar, Feb 4: Authorities sealed three more private clinics in Kashmir where the self-styled doctor, earlier apprehended in Anantnag, was practicing.
Providing details about the case, officials mentioned that while a private clinic was sealed in Anantnag on the same day, three additional clinics were sealed, one in Ganderbal and two in Srinagar.
Officials stated that in Srinagar, a team of officials was formed to inspect clinical establishments in the district. The team identified two clinics operating in Hawal and Nowshera where the self-styled doctor was practicing.
“The two clinical establishments lacked the registration certificates under the DRA norms; after scrutiny of their documents, the consultation chambers were sealed, with the matter forwarded for further action,” officials reported.
In Ganderbal, officials mentioned that a team, constituted by CMO Ganderbal and headed by BMO Ganderbal, inspected a clinical establishment in the Duderhama area linked to the case of the self-styled doctor.
The inspection revealed that the clinic was not registered with the clinical establishment of the district, nor had there been any application for the registration of the consultation chamber for practicing doctors.
“During the inspection, the team seized the prescription pads of various doctors, including the letterhead with the name of the doctor under question for allegedly having fake specialist degrees, along with ledger and receipt books. The clinic was sealed on the spot by the inspecting team.”
The DHSK spokesperson stated that, acting promptly on the directives of the Secretary, H&ME, health authorities have sealed all three clinics and initiated thorough inquiries in accordance with relevant laws.
“Secretary Health has emphasized the importance of keeping a vigilant eye on unscrupulous individuals tarnishing the image of the medical community and exploiting unsuspecting people,” DHSK said.
“We are committed to upholding the highest standards in healthcare. Swift action against such malpractices is essential to protect the trust and well-being of our citizens,” DHSK quoted Secretary Health as having said so, reinforcing the dedication to maintaining the credibility of the medical profession.
In this regard, the Health Department has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious medical practices to the authorities, ensuring a collective effort to preserve the integrity of the healthcare system.
It is pertinent to mention here that the case of the self-styled doctor, Gulzar Ahmad, emerged from Mehmaan Gali area of district Anantnag, where people have been seeking his consultation as a specialist gastroenterologist.
However, upon inquiry, allegedly, his degrees have turned out to be tampered, following which the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag not only sealed the clinic where he was practicing but also initiated an inquiry to ascertain the facts.
At the same time, the authorities issued directives, urging all private clinics and hospitals in the district to submit all the necessary details of the doctors practicing in their establishments in order to keep a check on the doctors with doubtful credentials.
