GMC bans entry of journalists into hospitals

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Sept 26: Government Medical College (GMC) today imposed ban on entry of journalists into hospitals, saying their presence “cause inconvenience to consulting physicians” and “undue interference of media personnel is detrimental to the outcome of patient care”.
“In the interest of patient care and smooth function of institutions, it is impressed upon all Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals that they should not allow any journalist to enter the wards or operation theatres especially at the time of ward rounds or management of mass casualties,” said Principal and Dean, GMC Srinagar, Dr Samia Rashid in a written order.
“It has come to the notice of undersigned that press reporters of various news agencies are frequently visiting hospitals and unwarrantedly entering into wards/sections and other critical areas without seeking proper permission from the competent authority that too during clinical rounds and conducting of investigative procedures which has created lot of inconvenience to the consulting physicians while performing their professional duties besides patients too feel harassed. The undue interference of media personnel is detrimental to the outcome of patient care,” she said.
“Any press briefings that are desirable for mass awareness of the public will be conveyed by the concerned Medical Superintendents at appropriate time,” the GMC Principal added.