Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: After the surfacing of nexus between doctors and private diagnostic centres in Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) vis-à-vis alleged involvement of Casualty Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Sauqib Shafi appointed in the Emergency Department of the hospital in the nexus, Principal, GMCH, Dr Ghanshyam Sharma has initiated inquiry into the matter and also ordered attachment of the CMO in some other department rather than Emergency Department.
“A letter was received by the Medical Superintendent, GMC Hospital by Police Department regarding involvement of CMO, Dr Sauqib Shafi with the owner of Bhatia Lab–a Private Diagnostic Centre at Bakshi Nagar for conducting the tests of the patients admitted in the hospital from the lab instead of hospital”, official sources told Excelsior.
According to letter written to Medical Superintendent by Incharge Police Post, GMC, the involvement of CMO with the private diagnostic lab Bhatia Lab surfaced. Before initiating legal action against the CMO, the police has sought departmental action against the doctor, the letter reads.
After receiving the letter, the Principal of GMC Hospital has ordered inquiry into the matter, which is to be conducted by the Personnel Officer, Administration, GMC, sources said, adding that the report will be tabled before the Principal within two days for necessary action against the CMO and his associates if found guilty.
They said that till the enquiry would be conducted, the CMO has been attached to some other Department of GMCH instead of continuing his services in the Emergency Department.
The nexus between doctor and private diagnostic centre ‘Bhatia Lab’ was unearthed when a technician namely Nitish Thakur of the Bhatia Lab was caught by the police while carrying the blood sample of a patient outside the GMCH premises, they added.
When enquired, the technician confessed that he was working for a private diagnostic center at Bakshi Nagar and had been sent there by his owner to take the sample after CMO Dr Sauqib Shafi made a call at the centre to collect the blood samples of the patients, sources said. This proves that there is an alleged nexus between the CMO and the owner of the diagnostic centre, sources added.
Dr Sauqib was among the 767 medical officers appointed on regular-temporary basis by the J&K Health and Family Welfare Department, sources said, adding that within four month of appointment, Dr Sauqib got himself transferred to GMC Jammu and posted as CMO.
“How he got himself transferred, is a million dollar question as according to the appointment order, it was mentioned that all the appointees would be on probation period of two years and were supposed to report in their respective divisions. They were asked to remain at the first place of posting for atleast two years, as per the transfer policy”, sources added.
When contacted Dr Ghanshyam Sharma, Principal, GMC Hospital told Excelsior that inquiry has been initiated in the matter and the report will be tabled before me in two days.
“If CMO would be found guilty, appropriate action would be taken against him and will also recommend to the Government for necessary action against him”, he added.
However, a circular has been issued in which it is clearly mentioned that if this kind of activity was again noticed in any departments of wards of GMC, strict action will be taken against the incharge Doctor and nurses, Dr Sharma stated.
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