Doctors, paramedics on indefinite strike over colleague’s suspension

Staff of District Hospital during indefinite strike at Doda on Friday.
Staff of District Hospital during indefinite strike at Doda on Friday.

Excelsior Correspondent
DODA, Apr 21: The health staff including Consultant Specialists, Medical Officers, Paramedical and other staff of District Hospital went on indefinite strike after the District Administration did not revoke the suspension order of Consultant Surgeon Dr Rakesh Kumar.
As per reports, District Development Commissioner DDC Doda has suspended Consultant Surgeon Dr Rakesh Kumar posted at District Hospital vide his office order No DCD/PA/17/2252-56 dated 07/04/2017 over some allegations which is not mentioned in the suspension order.
Speaking on the occasion one of the senior doctor of District Hospital said that all the allegations levelled against Dr Rakesh Kumar are totally baseless, adding that some vested elements are trying to tarnish the image of said doctor.
The staff of District Hospital termed Dr Rakesh Kumar as a hardworking doctor who always remains sincere towards this noble profession. They added that there has been no complaint against Dr Rakesh Kumar in the past.
With the indefinite strike, patient care was badly hit today in District Hospital, however the protesting staff of District Hospital said that they will continue their strike till the suspension order of the said doctor is not revoked. If the suspension order is not revoked, all emergency and critical care services will also be stopped, the protesting staff warned.
Meanwhile All JK National Health Mission Employees Association District Unit Doda and Chenab Valley Doctors Association have extended their full support with the striking staff of District Hospital.
It is to mention here that as per Supreme Court order, no doctor can be suspended without conducting thorough enquiry.
When contacted CMO Doda Dr Wajid said that a person had lodged a complaint against the said doctor with DC Doda Bhupinder Kumar, which might be the reason behind his suspension.