Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Aug 9: The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Bandipora has made it mandatory for all patient referrals to be routed through the hospital’s Control Room, aiming to improve coordination, maintain centralised records, and prevent unauthorised transfers.

According to the order (No. DHB/25-26/625-630) issued on 08 August 2025, no doctor can refer a patient without first informing the Control Room. Referral slips and entries in the Referral Register will be handled solely by the Control Room, and no patient will be referred without an official slip issued from there.

The order also directs ambulance drivers, including those with the 108 emergency service, not to transport any patient without a valid referral slip from the Control Room.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Medical Superintendent has warned that violations will be “viewed seriously” and could invite disciplinary action. The directive has been circulated to the Director of Health Services, Kashmir, the Chief Medical Officer of Bandipora, all doctors, and ambulance drivers for strict compliance.

Hospital authorities said the system will help track patient movement, prevent duplication of referrals, ensure proper ambulance use, and improve healthcare data collection for planning purposes.

District Hospital Bandipora is among the few healthcare institutions in the region to formalise and centralise its referral process, reflecting a push towards regulated and transparent medical practices in Jammu and Kashmir. (KNS)