JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has expressed serious concern over recurring reports of alleged negligence in government hospitals and urged the health authorities to treat such incidents with the utmost seriousness rather than as isolated occurrences. He said that every allegation relating to medical negligence, delayed treatment, incorrect medication, lack of timely care, or avoidable referrals must be thoroughly investigated so that accountability is ensured and public confidence in the healthcare system remains intact.

Referring to the recent incident at GMC Rajouri, where allegations surfaced following the death of a woman during treatment, Raman Suri said that while the administration acted promptly by ordering an inquiry and suspending the concerned staff pending investigation, such incidents continue to create anxiety and unrest among the public. Similar complaints have emerged from time to time from different hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir regarding delays in treatment, shortage of specialists, inadequate facilities, and procedural lapses.

Even if such incidents are relatively few in number compared to the vast number of patients treated every day, they have a disproportionate impact on public perception and trust. Raman Suri emphasized that the overwhelming majority of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers are serving with dedication and commitment under extremely challenging circumstances. With limited resources, increasing patient loads, and long working hours, medical professionals continue to save lives and provide essential healthcare services to the people.

It would therefore be unfair to judge the entire medical fraternity on the basis of a few unfortunate incidents. However, wherever negligence is suspected, transparent and time-bound investigations must be conducted and appropriate action taken against those found responsible. ā€œPublic faith in hospitals and healthcare workers is vital for the effective functioning of the healthcare system. Any incident that weakens this trust must be addressed swiftly and decisively. At the same time, genuine healthcare professionals who are working tirelessly should be protected from unwarranted criticism,ā€ he said.

The BJP leader noted that government hospitals witness an enormous rush of patients and attendants every day, putting tremendous pressure on available infrastructure and manpower. While this reality cannot be ignored, it should not become an excuse for deficiencies in patient care. Instead, authorities must focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving service delivery across all levels.

Raman Suri also raised concern over the growing referral culture, where patients are frequently referred from district hospitals to larger tertiary care institutions, often for conditions that could be treated locally if adequate facilities and specialists were available. He said this not only causes inconvenience, financial burden, and emotional distress to patients and their families but also increases pressure on already overburdened medical colleges and major hospitals.

He urged the government to take concrete measures to make district hospitals and sub-district hospitals self-sufficient by equipping them with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, advanced medical equipment, adequate supplies of medicines, and the required number of specialist doctors and support staff. Vacant posts should be filled on priority, and healthcare infrastructure should be upgraded in a phased but time-bound manner.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡