In the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Darhal Malkan has initiated an inquiry, seeking explanations from five healthcare staff members concerning alleged lapses in their duties. The incident came to light after an elderly patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) was brought to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Darhal Malkan requiring urgent medical attention.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the BMO issued a notice on August 10, naming Medical Officers Dr. Mutahir Wani and Dr. Samina Malik, MLHPs (Medical Laboratory Technicians/Phlebotomists) Dr. Rishab Sudan and Dr. Mudassar Kabir, and Mohd Younis. The notice details specific allegations against each individual regarding their conduct during the time the patient required care.
According to the BMO’s notice, Dr. Rishab Sudan, Dr. Mudassar Kabir, and Mohd Younis, who were reportedly on night duty, allegedly departed from the hospital premises before the arrival of the medical officer designated for the morning shift. This departure is cited as a primary reason for the perceived absence of medical personnel when the patient needed attention.
Further allegations in the notice pertain to Dr. Samina Malik. It is stated that she had received repeated instructions to remain on call and be present at SDH Darhal Malkan, particularly when MLHPs were assigned night duty. However, the notice claims she left her post without informing the BMO or obtaining the necessary written permission. The BMO also noted that Dr. Malik had been provided with a residential quarter within the hospital premises, underscoring the expectation of her immediate availability.
Dr. Mutahir Wani, rostered for the morning duty between 8 am and 2 pm, is also accused of arriving late for his shift. The explanation call further states that Dr. Wani failed to communicate his delayed arrival to the doctor who was on night duty, potentially contributing to the confusion and lack of immediate medical attention for the patient.
The patient’s attendants reportedly lodged a complaint with the hospital administration, stating that no doctor was available when they brought the patient for urgent medical care. Following this complaint, Dr. Imran Ganai, who was not on duty at the time, was summoned and attended to the patient.
The five implicated staff members have been formally directed to submit their individual written replies within two days of receiving the explanation call. These replies are expected to clearly outline the reasons and circumstances contributing to their alleged failure to attend to the patient promptly. The BMO has warned that failure to submit the responses within the stipulated timeframe will lead to the presumption that the concerned staff members have no defence to offer.
Consequently, disciplinary action, as deemed appropriate under the applicable Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Rules, will be initiated against the individuals. The notice, bearing reference number BMO/D/Est/2026-27/972-73 and dated August 10, has also been forwarded to the Chief Medical Officer of Rajouri for their information and necessary follow-up.
The Chenab Times News Desk