District Hospital Poonch Faces Corruption Allegations; ₹1,500 Allegedly Charges from Attendant

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

POONCH SEPT 02:-Serious allegations of corruption and alleged illegal collection of money have surfaced at District Hospital Poonch, with allegations that hospital employees charged ₹1,500 from an attendant for minor operation.

The allegations were levelled by Saleem Banday, who claimed that money was being demanded from attendants in connection with hospital services. A video containing the allegations has reportedly gone viral on social media and was shared through the Facebook page @Jkwire.in.

The allegations have raised serious questions over transparency and accountability in the functioning of the health institution. If found true, such practices would be a serious violation of the rights of patients and their attendants and cannot be allowed in a public healthcare facility.

An impartial, time-bound inquiry is urgently required to ascertain the facts, identify those responsible and ensure appropriate action if the allegations are substantiated.

Public representatives and civil society have also urged J&K Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo to take cognisance of the matter and direct the concerned authorities to conduct a fair investigation into the allegations.

The hospital administration and concerned officials are expected to clarify their position on the allegations and ensure that patients and their attendants are not subjected to any unlawful demands for money.