Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Jan 3(KNS): A video showing bundles of medicines being allegedly burnt inside the premises of District Hospital (DH) Bandipora has sparked widespread concern and prompted the hospital administration to order a formal inquiry into the incident.
The video, which went viral on social media and news story was first reported by Kashmir News Service (KNS), shows large quantities of medicines being set ablaze in the open, reportedly behind the hospital’s oxygen plant. The visuals triggered serious questions over adherence to mandatory norms governing the condemnation and disposal of expired medicines.
Taking cognisance of the incident, the Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Bandipora, has constituted a seven-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the destruction of medicines.
The committee comprises:
Dr Javaid Ahmad Bhat, Dr Fancy Bulbul, Dr Nadeem Ali, Dr Umair Qayoom, Shri Amjad Ali, Shri Nazir Ahmad, and Shri Tafazul Yousuf.
As per the official order, the committee has been tasked with examining all records related to the procurement, storage, condemnation, and disposal of medicines, and to ascertain whether the provisions of the General Financial Rules (GFR), Store Purchase Rules, Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016, and other departmental instructions were followed.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThe panel has also been directed to fix responsibility, if any, and submit its findings and recommendations to the Medical Superintendent within one day.
Meanwhile, pending the outcome of the inquiry and in the interest of proper record-keeping, Shri Reyaz-ul-Haq Bhat, Pharmacist, has been directed to look after the charge of the Stores of District Hospital Bandipora, in addition to his own duties.
The incident has triggered strong reactions from the public and civil society, with concerns raised over environmental hazards and public health risks associated with the open burning of pharmaceutical waste within hospital premises—an act considered a serious violation of biomedical waste management norms.
Copies of the inquiry order have been forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, and Director Health Services Kashmir, among other concerned authorities.
The episode has once again brought focus on the urgent need for greater transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of biomedical waste disposal protocols in government health institutions.(KNS).