Healthcare reforms in focus: Key concerns addressed at RTI hearing at Budgam

22 August 2024

Follow Ziraat Times on Whatsapp - Join Now

Budgam, Aug 22: In a community-driven step towards enhancing healthcare services in Magam, an RTI appeal hearing was held today, bringing to light significant challenges and operational inefficiencies in Kashmir’s medical facilities. The hearing, which began at 2:00 PM, was held at the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Budgam, following an RTI application filed on November 13, 2024, by Irfan Banka, Chairman of the J&K RTI Foundation. Banka was accompanied by social activist Karar Reshi and photojournalist Ishfaq Majeed.

The two-hour session was presided over by Dr. Mohammad Ayoub, CMO Budgam, acting in his capacity as the First Appellate Authority (FAA). The hearing opened with a discussion on the failure of former Block Medical Officers (BMOs) of Magam, Dr. Tahir Sajjad and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malla, to respond to the original RTI application. However, the hearing also spotlighted the proactive approach taken by the newly appointed BMO, Dr. Mir Mushtaq, who has already begun addressing the concerns raised, a Foundation spokesperson said.

The hearing addressed a range of critical healthcare issues affecting the Magam area. Key topics included the non-availability of essential medicines and the lack of public awareness regarding the Janaushadhi scheme, the acute shortage of gynecologists, and the misleading categorization of the Primary Health Center (PHC) Magam as a Sub-District Hospital (SDH). The discussion also highlighted troubling practices such as unqualified individuals performing medical procedures at Magam Hospital and staff members neglecting their duties.

In addition to these issues, the staffing situation at Magam Hospital was thoroughly examined. Concerns were raised about the current deployment of security guards and sweepers, with questions about their roles and responsibilities. In response, Dr. Ayoub assured the attendees that the list of existing security guards and sweepers would be shared with Comtech, the agency responsible for providing manpower, to ensure proper staffing and accountability.

The hearing also addressed the specific information requests made in the RTI application, which had previously gone unanswered, leading to the appeal. Dr. Ayoub committed to issuing the necessary directives soon, in line with the RTI Act 2005, to ensure transparency and accountability.

Looking forward, a follow-up meeting with BMO Magam is scheduled in the coming days to further address the operational challenges at Magam Hospital and implement the necessary reforms. Additionally, issues that fall outside the jurisdiction of local officials will be escalated to the Chief Secretary, following a thorough investigation and data collection from hospitals across the district, the spokesperson said.

After the hearing, Irfan Banka urged the public to actively participate in improving healthcare services in Kashmir. “Healthcare improvement requires collective effort. I appeal to everyone to contribute in any way possible to ensure that our hospitals can deliver the essential care and services our communities need,” Banka said.