By Peerzada Waseem
Sopore : Several patients staged massive protest outside Mother and Child Hospital Sopore (MCH) against non-availability of doctors, on Monday.
Patients blocked Sopore-Srinagar road for several hours raising slogan against health department.
“No surgeon is available at the hospital,” Ulfat, a pregnant woman told INS, claiming that there are several surgeons placed at the medical facility but none is available for patients.
Protesters alleged that they have been waiting in queues since morning for a doctor’s appointment however ‘at 12 the informed us that the doctor is on leave.’
“It’s an irony that while officials say the doctor (name withheld) is on leave. She is present at her private clinic,” patients claimed.
They claimed that the doctors while being ‘ontime for private clinics have not time for patients at hospital’.
“Everyone in Sopore knows where to find doctors if they are not at hospital and people prefer going to a clinic at Arampora, Iqbal market, Lone complex or in Downtown. Go and check for yourself,” angry patients claimed.
Block Medical officer Sopore Dr Sami said that the allegations made are baseless saying that the medical facility in question is adequately staffed.
“Three doctors can’t keep up with the huge rush of patients but they are trying hard to tackle it,” Dr Sami said.
BMO said that if patients have proof that any doctor is forcing them to come to private clinic they should come forward.
“We will take action accordingly, if complaints found true,” Dr Sami said.
