It sound strange but fact that the import post of health department, Director Health Services Jammu is vacant, since March 31. Dr Saleem-ur-Rehman, Director General Family Welfare, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and Immunisation and Director Health Services Jammu, who superannuated after rendering 33 years of glorious service in the department, was accorded a warm send-off by the staff of Directorate of Health Services Jammu on 31 March, 2023. Unfortunately, since the post has not been filed by the authorities.
“The Director Health Services, Jammu. I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter at Sub Division Hospital Gundoh. That one of the doctors, namely Masheer ul Haq, has a private lab located near the hospital. This doctor is allegedly forcing patients to have their medical tests done at his private lab instead of the government hospital’s lab, which ultimately benefits him financially. I would like to inform you that despite the matter being reported to the district and tehsil administration, and officials of health dept. no action has been taken against this unethical behavior. This situation is worrying, as it not only goes against the medical code of ethics, but it also puts a burden on the already financially constrained public. As a public representative, I am now approaching you to request your urgent attention to this matter, and take strict action against this doctor’s practice. The poor public should not suffer any longer due to the greed of one individual. The medical professional’s are meant to serve the public, not to exploit them. I hope that you will take immediate action to address this issue, and ensure that the healthcare system functions properly and ethically, as your attention is the last hope left for us”, read the copy of letter written by DDC Kahara, Doda Mehraj Malik to Director Health Service Jammu on April 26, 2023.
This is not the single case being hampered by the absence of DHSJ, but thousands of cases/complaints gathering dust in office, that monitors health services in entire Jammu division. Commissioner Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department, Bhupinder Kumar, could not be reached, as and when The Hidden News, receives official comment, same will be updated.