Naveed Ul Haq
Budgam, Dec 15: Residents of Nagam Chadoora showed strong anger against the health services department for not taking any strong action against ex BMO sub district hospital Nagam who was attached with office of chief medical officer Pulwama after sexual harassment complaints were received against him.
Residents said that the health department has only constituted committees from past three months despite having proof and complaints that he (Ex BMO) was involved in sexual harassment of woman employees and teenager patients.
“Today one more committee was sent here at SDH Nagam by the directorate of health services Kashmir but we don’t understand why they are only constituting the committee’s instead of doing any action against him,” said social activist Mudasir Ahmed.
As per documents available, an order was issued by the office of chief medical officer Budgam on 18 September under subject “Sexually harassment of women employees at work place and Constitution of Committee thereof” reads that, “In order to enquire complaints lodged against Block Medical Officer Nagam, the Committee of following Officers/Officials is hereby constituted, Dr Adfar Yaseen DTO, Dr Tehmeena Dy CMO, Dr Lahoot Hassan Khan DHO, Dr Javaid Ahmad Ganie BMO Beerwah, Mst Nusrat Rashid CHO BL Budgam and Mr Nissar Nabi DPM.
It further reads that, the committee shall submit its report to the U/Sd within two days positively for onward submission to higher authority.
Two days later another order was issued by the directorate of health services Kashmir in this regard which reads that, “In the interest of administration, Dr Ashfaq Hasssan 1/C Block Medical Officer Nagam Budgam is attached with the office of Chief Medical Officer Pulwama till further orders.”
The order further reads that, ” Consequent upon the above, Dr. Malik Roohi Iqbal Medical Officer Block Qoimoh Kulgam is hereby directed to report to Block Nagam where she will look-after as I/C Block Medical Officer Nagam till full time arrangement is made. This is purely a temporary arrangement and shall not confer any right to Dr Ruhi Iqbal for the post. Both the above doctors shall deem themselves relieved from the present place of posting.”
Spokesperson Directorate of Health Services Kashmir Dr Mir Mushtaq said that the enquiry in the matter was challenged in court and now on the directions of court another committee was constituted which has visited the hospital and talked to staff and locals to check the further facts.
He further said that primary action has already been taken and said BMO has been demoted to medical officer and attached with the office of chief medical officer Pulwama.
“Once the report of another committee will be framed that will be shared with the government and the court,” Mushtaq said.
However, locals have requested the LG office and higher authorities to terminate the accused as soon as possible so that he will not repeat such cowardly actions in future.
