The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Dr Mir Mushtaq, Nodal Officer NTCP DHSK, has been honoured with the prestigious WHO award for his outstanding contributions to tobacco control in the Kashmir Division.

A statement issued to the news agency CNS said that this significant recognition marks Dr Mushtaq as the first doctor in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to receive such a distinguished award.

The award celebrates Dr Mushtaq's relentless dedication and impactful work in the field of tobacco control, reflecting his commitment to public health and the well-being of the community. The presentation of this award will take place in New Delhi on the eve of 'World No Tobacco Day'.

Secretary, Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Mission Director National Health Mission, Nazim Zai Khan and Director, Health Services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Dr Mir Mushtaq for this remarkable achievement. They acknowledged that this award brings immense pride and recognition to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

In response to the news, Dr Mir Mushtaq expressed his profound happiness and termed the award a matter of immense pride. He conveyed his deepest gratitude to the Secretary of Health, Director of Health Services, and Mission Director of the National Health Mission for their unwavering support and guidance, which have been instrumental in this accomplishment.

Dr Mushtaq also extended his thanks to all individuals and stakeholders associated with tobacco control efforts in the valley. He offered special appreciation to his dedicated team at the Tobacco Control Cell, DHSK, for their hard work and commitment.

Lastly, Dr Mushtaq thanked the WHO for recognizing his contributions in the field of tobacco control.

Each year, the Regional Director for the WHO South-East Asia region honours individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control through the Regional Director's Special Recognition Award.

PULWAMA — Concerns escalate in the village of Bellow Dergund, Rajpora area of Pulwama district, as health officials investigate a surge in jaundice cases, particularly among children. The outbreak has prompted urgent action from local authorities following an order issued today by Tehsildar Rajpora.

The order, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir's Revenue Department, directs the deployment of a specialized team to conduct comprehensive testing of the drinking water in the affected village. The team, under the supervision of the concerned authorities, is tasked with analyzing potential contaminants and factors contributing to the spread of the disease. A detailed report outlining findings and recommendations for remedial and preventive measures is expected.

A joint visit by health and Public Health Engineering (PHE) department officials, including BMO Rajpora, was conducted on Friday as per the directive of Tehsildar Rajpora. This visit aimed to assess the situation firsthand and address grievances voiced by villagers regarding the jaundice outbreak.

According to reports, the outbreak has resulted in numerous children being admitted to local hospitals including District Hospital Pulwama. This follows a similar incident in March 2024, where nine individuals tested positive for jaundice in the Dergund Bellow area.

Residents attribute the outbreak to contaminated water supplied from a tubewell. Despite promises of a new water supply scheme, locals claim no action has been taken, and the water tank has remained uncleaned for several years.

An official from the Jal Shakti Department clarified that the village previously received water from both a spring and a tubewell. However, the tubewell recently collapsed, leading to concerns over water safety.

As the authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, the situation remains under close scrutiny as officials are tasked to address the immediate health concerns and implement long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks.

PULWAMA — In the Arampora vicinity of Arihal village in south Kashmir's Pulwama district, a Primary Health Centre (PHC) building completed in 2016 by the Jammu & Kashmir Housing Board stands abandoned, stirring frustration among residents.

Despite its construction, the PHC remains idle, forcing the local community to rely on a makeshift three-room Panchayat facility. The lack of adequate space has rendered much of the medical equipment defunct, compelling residents to seek even minor healthcare services at the District Hospital Pulwama.

Repeated appeals to authorities have fallen on deaf ears, prompting Arihal's Lambardar, Irshad Farooq, to take decisive action. Witnessing illicit activities plaguing the unused building, including drug abuse and gambling, Irshad locked its gates to deter further degradation.

Irshad's efforts, along with advocacy from The Kashmir Pulse news portal, spurred action from local officials. Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, pledged to address the grievances promptly upon being approached.

Subsequently, on February 15, Block Medical Officer Rajpora, Dr Jawahira Akhter, and concerned officials visited the PHC building, vowing to expedite its functionalization within a week or two. In response, residents, including the Lambardar, initiated a cleanliness drive within the premises on February 16, buoyed by the authorities' assurance.

However, residents are urging officials to honour their commitment and avoid further delays in making the PHC Arihal operational, emphasizing the need for tangible progress over promises.

SRINAGAR — The key positions of Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) are lying vacant in the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar and Pulwama district of South Kashmir, raising concerns among the healthcare professionals and residents alike.

As per the details available with the news agency KNO, the Chief Medical Officers of Srinagar and Pulwama were superannuated last month but these key positions haven't been filled yet.

Doctors working in Srinagar said that Dr Jameel Ahmed Mir, the erstwhile CMO of Srinagar retired last month but authorities are yet to fill his position, thereby keeping the key position vacant to date.

They said that the CMO works as a leader of the district regarding the coordination and oversight of healthcare services, but when the position remains vacant, many concerns arise. Expressing their apprehensions, doctors stressed the critical role a CMO plays in ensuring the quality and efficacy of healthcare delivery.

Similarly, doctors from Pulwama said that Dr Haseena, the erstwhile CMO of Pulwama, also retired last month and the chair is yet to be filled. “Without CMO, the decision-making processes become fragmented, potentially compromising patient care," they said.

The doctors urged higher-ups to look into the matter and fill these vacancies at the earliest so that the patients as well as the doctors won't face any problems.

Officials said that the Controller Stores at DHSK also retired last month and his position is also lying vacant.

An official of the Health department said that the posting of CMOs for Srinagar and Pulwama along controller stores is expected to be made in the coming week.

SRINAGAR — Alarmed by concerns within the healthcare sector, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has launched a multifaceted campaign to combat unethical practices associated with private medical testing.

The initiative stems from reports of agents and touts affiliated with private laboratories actively coaxing patients towards their facilities, even when government healthcare institutions offer the same tests.

To combat this, DHSK issued a circular to Chief Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents of government hospitals, outlining a multi-pronged approach.

The circular emphasizes the need for close collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enforce legal consequences against those promoting private tests over government facilities. Additionally, it recommends implementing a robust monitoring system to effectively address patient complaints related to unethical testing practices.

DHSK further emphasizes the importance of empowering patients. The circular encourages individuals to report any incidents of undue influence towards private testing, underscoring the Directorate's commitment to transparency and accountability. It also calls for all necessary measures to discourage private labs and touts from engaging in unfair practices.

Finally, DHSK urges Chief Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents to implement effective measures to monitor and address patient complaints, providing regular updates on progress. This ensures a responsive system that prioritizes patient well-being and access to affordable healthcare services in government facilities.

SRINAGAR — Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director of J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited, has been appointed as the inquiry officer to investigate financial irregularities in the Health Services Department of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a government order, the inquiry will delve into several critical aspects, including the unauthorized delegation of financial powers to Chief Medical Officers by the Director of Health Services in Kashmir.

Despite the presence of a duly constituted Central Purchase Committee at the Directorate level, this violation of rules and regulations raises questions about the decision-making process and financial propriety.

Another area of focus will be the further delegation of financial powers by the Chief Medical Officer of Anantnag to Block Medical Officer, Saller, in contravention of extant rules. The inquiry aims to determine the reasons behind this delegation and its impact on financial discipline within the department.

The inquiry officer will investigate whether Block Medical Officer, Saller, exercised authority in violation of instructions issued by the Director of Health Services in Kashmir. The procurement of items available through JKMSCL, despite the mandate of the purchase committee, will be scrutinized to establish any compelling reasons for this deviation. The inquiry will also assess how Block Medical Officer Saller ascertained the reasonability of rates and whether they were justifiable.

Moreover, the inquiry will evaluate whether the procured items meet the required technical specifications. The inquiry officer has been entrusted with the responsibility of assigning accountability for any lapses in financial propriety at various levels within the Health Services Department.

Notably, the scope of the investigation extends to include the procurement activities related to the Baltal axis of the Amarnath Yatra during 2022, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of financial irregularities.

The inquiry officer has been given a timeframe of 20 days from the issuance of the order to submit the inquiry report. "This swift turnaround highlights the urgency and seriousness with which the government is approaching the matter."

"The appointment of Pankaj Gupta as the inquiry officer reflects the government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance," the statement reads, adding that the findings of this inquiry are expected to shed light on the reasons behind the financial irregularities and hold responsible parties accountable for any violations of financial regulations within the Health Services Department of Jammu and Kashmir.

SRINAGAR — The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) on Wednesday said that some hospital administrators are allowing specialists and doctors to take night-off which is against norms.

In this regard, hospital administrators have been directed to strictly monitor the attendance of the specialists and any dereliction shall be viewed seriously.

"It has been observed that the hospital administrators are allowing on-call specialists/doctors to take night-off, which is against the set norms as prescribed," reads the Circular issued by Director Health Services Kashmir, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, a copy of which lies with news agency KNO.

It adds, "As such enjoined upon all the hospital administrators not allow this practice henceforth and strictly monitor the attendance of the specialists. Any dereliction in this matter shall be viewed seriously. Further, compliance report in this regard may be shared with this Directorate."

SRINAGAR — Amid the panic that hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases have been reported among children, Director Health Services Kashmir Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that there is nothing to worry about and the viral infection is common and does not need any treatment.

As per the news agency KNO, while talking to reporters at PHC Chanapora after taking part in an event related to the International Day for Older Persons, he said that the department has already issued an advisory on HFMD, popularly known as tomato flu as blisters and rashes are like tomatoes. He asked people to follow advisory in letter and spirit.

Rather said that it is a mild disease and all cases reported so far have been isolated and surveillance units have been alerted to keep a close vigil on it. “But we are alert and ready to deal with any situation,” he added.

Meanwhile, Director of School Education Kashmir Tasaduq Hussian said that they have already issued instructions that students with HFMD symptoms should be isolated at the earliest. “This is not so dangerous or alarming and we have to fight these things. Parents must keep children with HFMD symptoms at home for a few days and there is no need to panic,” he said.

The health department has already issued Do's and Don’ts in this regard, he said.

SRINAGAR — In view of the cloudburst at Amarnath Cave Shrine, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has cancelled leaves of all staff and has directed them to report immediately. Besides, all officers have been directed to keep their phones on.

According to an order issued by DHSK, as per the news agency Kashmir News Observer, in view of the unfortunate incident of cloud burst at Baltal near the holy cave in which a number of Yatris are feared dead and injured directions for immediate compliance by all are hereby issued.

The order stated that all the officers are directed to keep their mobiles switched on, while chief medical officers of south Kashmir i.e. Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian and Anantnag are directed to send additional doctors and paramedical staff along with drugs, disposables and emergency aid kits to Pahalgam.

“Chief Medical Officers of north and central Kashmir i.e. Srinagar, Bandipora, Baramulla and Budgam are directed to send additional doctors and paramedical staff along with drugs, disposables and emergency aid kits to Baltal,” it reads.

As per the order in charge Controller of Stores (Health) is directed to coordinate with General Manager JKMSCL Srinagar for keeping emergency supplies ready to be dispatched to Baltal and Pahalgam immediately in consultation with Yatra Officer DHSK.

The order further stated that all leaves of the staff (Regular/Contractual) are hereby cancelled with the directions to report duties immediately.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Government has released Rs 94.16 crores for the acquisition of land for the establishment of AIIMS in the Awantipora area of Pulwama district, officials said here on Monday.

Officials, as per news agency Kashmir News Observer, said that the government has released Rs 94.16 crores under Capex budget 2022-23 as land compensation to Director Health Services Kashmir.

They said the Director has to place the funds at the disposal of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama for the acquisition of land measuring 272 Kanals (34 acres) and 11 Kanal and 07 marlas for the establishment of AIIMS at Awantipora and the realignment approach for AIIMS, respectively.

They added that the release of funds is, however, subjected to a few conditions which include the funds shall be utilized only after fulfilling all the codal procedures and formalities, the acquisition is completed within approved cost only and there shall be no cost escalation and re-appropriation or diversion of funds is not allowed at any level.

"The utilization certificate of the released amount shall be furnished to this department well in time, Director Finance, Health & Medical Education Department shall vouchsafe the availability of funds on BEAMS portal and accordingly, release the funds to the concerned and the instructions or conditions as contemplated in the BEAMS order shall be adhered and fulfilled in letter & spirit,” they said.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, PK Pole on Wednesday said that the inquiry into the killing of two civilians in Pulwama was on and if the slain duo is found innocent, the government will provide jobs to the next of kin (NoK) of both the civilians under SRO 43.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he also said that the service-related issues of the agitating Kashmiri Pandit employees will be resolved soon and nearly 2100 backlog surgeries have been conducted in the past week during the medical camp organized by the Rotary International in northern and central Kashmir districts.

Addressing a news conference, Pole, who was accompanied by Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad and Dr Rajiv Pradhan, Chief, Rotary Club here said that the magisterial enquiry into the civilian killings in Pulwama is already underway. “The civilian involvement is being probed and if their involvement is not found, all the relief measures and SRO43 benefits will be provided to their families,” Pole said.

About the Kashmiri Pandit employees, he said that he chaired a meeting today with HoDs, Chief Engineers and Directors and they were asked that the positing of these employees should be given close to the towns and district headquarters so that the vulnerable areas will be avoided and the sense of security is ensured to the Kashmiri Pandits.

“All the service-related issues including duties in far-off places, transfers of couples at the same place and other related issues falling under my jurisdiction will be completed soon and implemented on the ground,” Pole said.

Asked about the fire incident at the Traffic headquarters building at midnight, Pole said that these incidents occur especially due to the wooden roof. “Fire and Emergency Service department will visit all the major offices of government departments and conduct a fire audit there. The fire extinguishers will be made available to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.

Sharing details of a medical health camp organized by Rotary International, Pole said that the backlog surgeries that were postponed due to the three Covid waves were conducted. “Nearly 2100 surgeries have been conducted at almost 14-15 operation theatres, working from the last one week, which start functioning from morning 7 AM to evening 8 PM,” he said.

The surgeries were conducted in northern and central districts of Kashmir, he said, adding that on the request of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, the camp will be organized in south Kashmir as well.

Dr Rajeev Pradhan, International Rotary Governor, said that the club has been working in different countries to ensure better health for the people. "After northern and central Kashmir, the camp will be organized in south Kashmir on the request by Lieutenant Governor in coming days," he said.

Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad said that there were nearly 8000 backlog surgeries due to the third wave of COVID-19 and in the last week, over 2100 major surgeries were conducted.

“We have already received directions from the Divisional Commissioner to clear the backlog surgeries. We will do that at the earliest,” he said, as per KNO correspondent.

About the heart transplantation surgeries, he said that a survey will be conducted to identify the patients, whose registration will be done following which the procedure will be carried out.

SRINAGAR — Jammu Kashmir Government has decided to transfer all non-gazetted employees who have completed two to five years of placement at the same place.

According to CNS, the J&K Administrative department has given a green signal to Director Health Services Srinagar and Jammu and has authorised them to transfer non-gazetted employees in Jammu as well as in Kashmir who have completed two to five years in one place.

The government has authorized and directed Health Department for affecting the transfers of non-gazetted staff. Accordingly in the first phase, the transfers of the staff who have completed five years of services at one place and thereafter the staff who have completed more than two years will be done.

All the transfers shall be effected strictly as per the calendar for transfer, prescribed in the Transfer Policy notified vide Government Order No. 948-JK (GAD) of 2020; Dated: 15-10-2020.

Meanwhile, the government has directed Director Health Services Kashmir that a copy of transfer orders in this regard may also be endorsed to the Administrative Department for information/appraisal of the authorities.

Anti-Corruption Bureau has also forwarded their alert Note No. 118/2021 (PE-SLK-21/2019) to the Government regarding the same.

SRINAGAR — Female Multi-purpose Health Workers (FMHW) of Jammu & Kashmir have appealed to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration to release their pending salaries ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to the FMHW, they are without salaries for the last five months.

Official sources told KNO that thousands of FMHW working in health centres across J&K Health & Family Welfare under a Centrally-sponsored scheme have never got their salaries in time.

They said FMPHWs working under 2210 head never face such issues and get salaries in time but on the other hand, workers working under 2211 head have to bear the issue of delay in salaries.

They told the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that despite being the permanent employees of the union territory, they have to come on roads for their salaries. “Education of our children gets affected since they are not able to pay their fee regularly,” they said, adding that despite putting in their best efforts during the COVID pandemic, they have to literally beg for salaries.

"Neither DPCs are being considered in stipulated time nor salaries are being released on time," said a worker.

She said the claims of women empowerment and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is just proving to be a hoax on the ground as despite providing primary promotive and curative health care for almost all the national health programs, they have to suffer.

“Ahead of Eid, we have to submit the fee of our children, bring clothes and other necessary items but in the absence of salaries since December last year, we are going through very tough times,” she added.

An official of the Health and Family Welfare said that all these workers fall under the Central scheme but the Central government often releases their salaries late.

He said that the issue has been already brought to notice by higher-ups and they are hopeful that their salaries will be released ahead of Eid.

SRINAGAR — Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole and Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather are all praise for locals in helping the administration in the evacuation of patients from Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla amid massive fire on Friday night.

“All patients have been evacuated and shifted to various hospitals including SMHS and SKIMS Bemina,” Dr Mushtaq told reporters near Barzulla.

“The cooperation by locals was tremendous and with their timely help, all patients were safely evacuated,” he said, adding, “all doctors and paramedics are also safe.”

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said that preliminary reports suggest that fire started from OT section and spread with the blast of gas cylinders. He said expressed gratitude to the locals for timely help in the evacuation of the patients.

He said that Principal GMC shall inquire into the reason for the fire and if there were lapses despite the fire safety audit. He also ordered that all LPG cylinders, used for heating purposes to ward off against the winter chill, “have to go since Chillai-e-Kalan” is over already.

Earlier, Health & Medical Education Department said that all patients have been evacuated.

“The Health & Medical Education Deptt is deeply concerned and monitoring the aftermath of the devastating fire incident at B&J Hospital Srinagar,” the department said in a tweet as per GNS. “Reasons are being ascertained why the incident happened despite regular fire safety audits and adequate measures.”

In another tweet, the department said that preliminary information suggests that all patients have been evacuated and are being shifted to other government health facilities.