Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Jan 13(KNS): In swift administrative action following the news carried by KNS titled “Video of expired medicines burnt inside DH Bandipora triggers probe” and “Probe committee set up over burning of expired medicines in Bandipora hospital,” the Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Bandipora, has issued key orders reshuffling responsibilities and seeking accountability in the matter.

As per the official order, Shri Altaf Hussain, Pharmacist and In-charge Stores, has been attached to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Bandipora with immediate effect and relieved from the District Hospital Bandipora. He has been directed to handover complete charge of Stores to Shri Reyaz-ul-Haq Bhat, Pharmacist, immediately. The handover–takeover process is to be strictly ensured as per the rules under the supervision of Dr Umair Qayoom, Medical Officer (Stores).

In a separate but related development, the Medical Superintendent has sought a written explanation from Shri Gh. Mustafa Ganie, Sanitary Inspector, regarding the presence and involvement of sanitary workers during the burning/disposal of expired medicines within the hospital premises.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The order notes that the involvement of sanitary workers in the burning of medicines is a serious violation of the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, which clearly mandate that such activities must be carried out only by authorised and trained personnel due to associated health, safety, and environmental risks. The Sanitary Inspector, being the supervisory officer, has been held responsible for failure to ensure compliance with prescribed rules and SOPs.

Shri Gh. Mustafa Ganie has been directed to submit his explanation within 24 hours from the issuance of the order, explaining the circumstances under which sanitary workers were allowed at the site.

These orders have come into force after the issue was highlighted by KNS, which sparked public concern and prompted the administration to initiate a probe and corrective measures. The developments indicate that the hospital administration has begun acting to fix responsibility and enforce accountability in the controversial burning of expired medicines case at District Hospital Bandipora.(KNS).