FIR lodged for misbehaviour
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Aug 6: Authorities today sealed the Operation Theatre of the privately-run Star Hospital for unhygienic conditions and they are considering sealing the entire hospital in the coming days.
While the shabby condition of sensitive areas in hospitals is rare, the action at Star Hospital followed a routine inspection by district health authorities, who found not only the Operation Theatre but also other parts of the hospital in deplorable condition.
“It was a routine inspection by the task force constituted for this purpose. The condition of the OT was such that even an animal wouldn’t survive there, let alone a patient. Instead of being sterilized and thoroughly clean, the OT had dust, a foul smell and spider webs,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Srinagar, Dr. Tahir Sajad told ‘Excelsior’.
He said the team also found room number 203 of the hospital-situated at Sanat Nagar-in disarray, with footwear scattered haphazardly and garbage present. When inquired, the hospital staff claimed it was a store.
“In the same setting, we found patient bedding as well; if it was a storeroom, it should have been outside the hospital premises. When we discovered this, they even tried to hide it,” he said.
The inspection team included the Zonal Medical Officer (ZMO) Batamaloo, a team of Medical Officers, officials from the Ayushman Grievance Redressal Cell, and officials from the District Registration Authority.
During the inspection, those operating the hospital allegedly misbehaved with the inspection team and tried to prevent them from performing their duties and entering the hospital premises, resulting in further trouble for the hospital management.
“If they had not resorted to such behaviour, we would have ensured that they were counselled regarding the adherence to standards, making sure that they show compliance, but we had to involve the police,” the CMO said.
“An FIR has been lodged at the police station Saddar against them for obstructing the government officials from performing their legitimate duties and outraging the modesty of the women who were part of the team,” he added.
Regarding action against the hospital for operating amid unhygienic conditions and endangering the lives of patients and their attendants, Dr. Sajad said that the entire hospital will be sealed in the next few days.
“Keeping in view the patients who are admitted there, we will wait until they are discharged. Once that happens, we will seal the entire hospital for violations of norms and risking the lives of patients; there will be no compromise on the healthcare care and the necessary legal action will be taken against the hospital for violating the standards,” he said.
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