Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Chodhri Lal Singh Saturday said that he will take stern action against those doctors who indulge in private practice during duty hours. “I know everything and I know how to deal with those doctors who treat hospitals as picnic spots and prefer to spend their most of the time in private clinics. I also know that some doctors instead of treating patients in the hospitals force them to visit their clinics to grab money from them,” Singh told CNS on the sidelines of a function at GB Pant Hospital Srinagar. He said that doctors should forget about private clinics and should spend their time in government hospitals.Our hospitals have turned into junk yards where patients don’t get good patient care. The system needs to be overhauled. From last four months I have been trying hard to change the shape of the hospitals. Hospitals are meant for patients and doctors are duty bound to take care of them,” he said.
Responding to a question, Health Minister said that he doesn’t care what doctors say or think about him. “My ultimate motive is to make hospitals a place where patients get good care. It is my job to make every patient feel that he doesn’t need to go to any private hospital or private clinic. There is no need of private clinics and private hospitals if doctors will work with dedication and honesty. I promise to the people that they will feel a big change in coming days. I will take every doctor or Para-medical staff to task if they do not perform in the interest of patients,” he said.
Health Minister said that a new children’s hospital would be set up in Kashmir very soon. “You will see, how a new paediatric hospital will be constructed in Kashmir Valley. We have sent a proposal to Central Government and are waiting for the approval. Our Government has decided to revolutionize the health sector in Jammu and Kashmir. Our government believes in action and not in speeches and words. You will yourself see how quickly a new children’s hospital will be set in Kashmir,” he said. (CNS)