DM revokes suspension order
Shyam Sood
Rajouri, August 12: Following a flash strike by the faculty, doctors, and paramedical staff of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri against the alleged illegal suspension of HoD of the Department of Medicines, District Magistrate revoked his order within 24 hours.
Protesters alleged that the suspension of HoD was on baseless grounds that don’t fall in his domain of DM.
After the death of a patient due to alleged negligence of the doctor and staff on duty in the male medical ward of GMC, the DM, Vikas Kundal visited the GMC on Thursday morning after a protest by the attendants of the deceased.
At about 3 am on Thursday the condition of the deceased patient, namely Ankush Sharma deteriorated and according to attendants, the doctor & nurses on duty were not traceable.
Later a team of doctors puts Ankush on a ventilator, but he died at about 4 am.
In the morning the attendants /relatives held protest and alleged Ankush died due to negligence of staff on duty.
Acting swiftly to the allegations, Government Medical College & Associated Hospital’s (GMC&AH) administration in an order terminated the services of a Junior Resident doctor (on academic arrangements) Dr. Momina Khan, and also suspended Shasita Tabassum & Shaheen , both nurses and also initiated an inquiry by a team of three members to inquire into the matter.
Principal GMC also sought an explanation from HOD, Department of Medicines why the staff was on unauthorised absence from duties.
HoD, Dr. Jamil ul Hassain was also asked to provide the details about the evening rounds of the Consultants with specific comments on the treatment given to the deceased patient and probable cause of death.
In the meantime, DM also initiated an inquiry and vide his order suspended the HoD & attached him to the office of Medical Superintendent (MS) GMC&AH.
DM order reads: “Keeping in view the above facts Dr.Jamil-ul-Hussain ,HoD Department of Medicine is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect and attached in the office of MS”.
A senior faculty member seeking anonymity said that the suspension of HoD of GMC is out of the powers of DM and even HoD can’t be attached in the office of MS.
DM’s revoke order issued today reads: “In view of the explanation given by the Administrative Office & Law Officer of GMC Rajouri vide letter No. GMC/R2022-23/3054-56 dt 12/8/22, the suspension of Dr. Jamil ul Hussain, HoD, Department of Medicines ordered vide this office No. DMR/JC/2022-23/2022-25 dt 11/8/22 is hereby revoked & the said doctor is directed to continue work at his place in the interest of patient care”.
The order further reads: “The inquiry initiated by GMC Principal and ADM will be taken to its logic conclusion in a time-bound manner to ascertain the cause of death of Ankush on 11/8/22.
Faculty and Paramedical staff of GMC Rajouri today went on strike against alleged illegal suspension of Dr. Jameel ul Hussain HOD Medicine by the DM in this matter.
“For alleged negligence, doctor on night duty was terminated and 2 sisters on duty have also been placed under suspension and proper inquiry has been initiated to ascertain the facts,” said doctors.
“But despite the actions taken by Hospital administration, DC Rajouri has unnecessarily issued the suspension orders of HOD Medicine on the baseless grounds that don’t fall into his domain,” they said.
The doctors and Paramedical staff demanded immediate revocation of suspension order of Dr. Jameel HOD and also revocation of suspension of junior resident doctor and nurses.
They appealed to the LG Administration to look into this matter and to stop harassing the already stressed out faculty and paramedics and avoid hindrance in health care delivery.
Doctors Association Jammu has also threatened to shut all medical colleges and peripheral hospitals of the Jammu region if suspension is not revoked immediately.
