Early Times Report
Jammu, June 3: Senior officials in the Health Department are under intense pressure from influential figures to refrain from disciplining employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri who fled their posts during heavy Pakistani shelling amid Operation Sindoor, sources revealed. The desertion left the hospital in chaos, severely impacting its ability to treat victims of the cross-border attacks. Highly placed sources disclosed that these "deserters" may even have their withheld salaries released due to their influential connections. “Instead of facing strict disciplinary action, these staff members are likely to escape consequences because of their approach and influence,” a source stated. The incident occurred as Rajouri faced unprecedented turmoil from Pakistani shelling, which caused widespread destruction and numerous casualties. Among the victims was Additional Deputy Commissioner Raj Kumar Thapa, killed Saturday morning when an artillery shell struck his residence. As injured civilians and security personnel overwhelmed GMC Rajouri, the region’s primary Senior officials in the Health Department are under intense pressure from influential figures to refrain from disciplining employees who fled their posts during heavy Pak shelling amid Operation Sindoor. The desertion left the hospital in chaos, severely impacting its ability to treat victims of the cross-border attacks. These "deserters" may even have their withheld salaries released due to their influential connections. Instead of facing strict disciplinary action, these staff members are likely to escape consequences. healthcare facility, the absence of key medical staff led to critical delays in treatment, prolonged patient suffering, and preventable complications. Despite the Jammu and Kashmir government canceling all leaves for Health Department employees due to the war-like situation, many doctors and paramedical staff abandoned their posts. Sources indicated that several of these individuals come from influential families, confident their connections would shield them from repercussions. Dr. A.S. Bhatia, Principal of GMC Rajouri, took decisive action, announcing that the salaries of all deserting staff would be withheld until further notice. “This is not just a punitive measure but a deterrent to ensure such behavior is not repeated,” Dr. Bhatia said, condemning the staff’s conduct during the crisis. The mass exodus plunged the hospital into disarray, with reports of delayed medical procedures and patients enduring long waits without care. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with authorities stressing the urgent need for accountability among healthcare professionals during emergencies. |