Following recent clashes witnessed between the doctors, patients, and mediapersons in the Kashmir Valley over the alleged medical negligence, the state government has made it mandatory for all medical professionals working in government-run or private hospitals to wear nameplates with their full name and designation, along with white aprons, during duty hours.
This comes after two patients reportedly lost their lives due to criminal medical negligence by the doctors at two government-run entities, including SMHS, which is considered to be the main government-run hospital in the UT.
Video footage showed an attendant, whose brother-in-law died at the hospital compound due to alleged medical negligence, slapping a doctor so hard that he fell to the ground.
Shortly after the incident, the working doctors announced the closure of emergency services, which led to massive protests in the hospital compound.
According to the latest directive by the Secretary to the Government, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), observations have found that many healthcare professionals were not adhering to the prescribed dress code, causing immense difficulties to patients looking for medical personnel.
The healthcare professionals not adhering to the dress code also lack accountability and responsibility in cases where identification remains most important.
The circular stated, “All doctors, including those working under the National Health Mission (NHM) and Ayush, as well as paramedical staff, are required to wear proper white aprons and display clearly legible nameplates with their full name and designation.”
Heads of institutions, Medical Superintendents, and Chief Medical Officers have been instructed to enforce strict compliance with the order across the Union Territory.
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